Two minors from the Shechem Core Group who were arrested Wednesday evening on their way to Joseph's Tomb in Shechem were still in custody Thursday evening despite a court order for their release because the fax machine at the Ariel police station was broken, according to the Honenu legal aid organization. Their parents signed forms for 500-shekel bail at a police station near their homes but the forms could not be faxed to the Ariel station, where the youths are being held. Honenu attorney Adi Kedar is working for their release.

The pair were among 13 arrested trying to go to the holy site. The police sought a high bond and an order keeping them out of Area A, under Palestinian Authority control.