Fatah Facebook falsely claims that Israeli army assisted in Cave in the Patriarch Massacre
Text and image posted on the official Fatah Facebook page
Posted text: "Today, the 15th day of [the Muslim fast month of] Ramadan [June 10, 2017], is the 23rd anniversary of the massacre carried out by terrorist Baruch Goldstein with the help of the occupation forces at the Ibrahimi Mosque (i.e., the Cave of the Patriarchs) in Hebron (sic.)"
On Feb. 25, 1994, Baruch Goldstein, a member of an Israeli far-right movement, opened fire on Muslims praying inside the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, known to Muslims as the "Ibrahimi Mosque," killing 29 and wounding 125. This act was committed by Baruch Goldstein alone, and was condemned by Israel:
Israeli Prime Minister at the time Yitzhak Rabin: “A loathsome, criminal act of murder was committed today at a site holy to both Jews and Arabs in Hebron. The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, government ministers and citizens of the State of Israel severely condemn this terrible murder of innocent people.”
On the day of the attack, the Israeli cabinet met to discuss “proposals to outlaw a number of Jewish radical right-wing groups opposed to the peace process,” and again condemned the terrorist act. In addition, to the verbal condemnation, the government decided four days after the attack:
“A. ‘To establish… a commission of inquiry…regarding the massacre at the Tomb of the Patriarchs.
B. ... to take the following series of measures on an individual basis against radical elements among the Israeli residents in Judea and Samaria, as follows:
1 .The imposition of administrative detentions.
2. The extension of restraining and supervisory orders against the entry of certain persons into the Judea, Samaria and Hebron areas.
3. The revocation of certain persons’ permits to carry weapons and the disarming of these persons.
C. To charge the Attorney General with the task of exploring and proposing options for the outlawing of the Kach and Kahane Hai [right wing political] organizations.
D. To record the statement of the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense on the release of about 800 Palestinian detainees and prisoners. The intent is to release up to 1,000 detainees and prisoners within the coming week.
E. The Tomb of the Patriarchs will be opened only after new arrangements for security and prayer have been determined.’”
Two weeks later, the Israeli government outlawed the two Israeli organizations; Kach and Kahane Chai, declaring them terrorist groups.