The Palestinian Authority announced a significant crackdown on militants in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Saturday, deploying armored vehicles in the city of Jenin and engaging in gun battles with armed groups.
According to Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab, a spokesman for the authority’s security services, the operation aims to “put an end to sedition and chaos.” The Palestinian Authority administers certain areas of the West Bank under Israeli occupation.
During the operation, Palestinian security forces killed a local militant leader in a neighborhood established by Palestinian refugees, as confirmed by General Rajab and local residents.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa stated, “This situation cannot be allowed to continue. It is unfortunate that we now need to deploy security forces to impose order. But we will not watch our country destroyed and be silent.”
The escalation of violence in the West Bank has intensified since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, which triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The rise of militant power in West Bank cities, including Jenin and Tulkarm, has led to a cycle of Israeli raids and drone strikes that have severely impacted Palestinian neighborhoods.
In response to the violence, U.S. officials have encouraged the Palestinian Authority to enhance its law-and-order operations in the West Bank, as reported by two Western diplomats and a Palestinian security official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation. U.S. officials have also urged Israel to limit its raids against militants in Jenin to allow Palestinian law enforcement to function effectively.
The Palestinian Authority, which receives funding and training from the United States, faces significant challenges in maintaining control. While it has international support, its domestic popularity is waning, with many Palestinians perceiving it as ineffective and corrupt.
Militant groups have gained influence in parts of the northern West Bank, where the authority's control has diminished. These groups include affiliates of established organizations like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as newly formed local factions opposing both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Israeli officials often cite the rise of militancy in the West Bank as evidence of the Palestinian Authority's inability to govern Gaza post-war, recalling Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after a brief civil conflict with the authority.
Analysts suggest that Mahmoud Abbas, the authority's president, is attempting to project stability amid concerns of being sidelined by a more aggressive Israeli government. “Mahmoud Abbas is trying to show that he has everything under control, that they can crack down on resistance,” stated Tahani Mustafa, a senior analyst for the International Crisis Group.
In the meantime, Israeli troops have conducted prolonged searches in Palestinian neighborhoods for suspected militants, leading to significant civilian casualties. The Israeli military claims these operations are necessary to quell militant activities.
Since October 2023, at least 800 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Authority Health Ministry. The Israeli military asserts that many of the deceased were militants, although reports indicate that some were women, children, and other civilians. Over 35 Israelis, including civilians and combatants, have died in attacks or combat this year.
Saturday's operations focused on the Jenin refugee camp, which was established decades ago by Palestinian refugees following the establishment of Israel in 1948. General Rajab indicated that Palestinian forces would continue to make arrests and neutralize explosives to “regain control of the Jenin camp from lawbreakers who ruin the lives of the citizenry.” The duration of the operation remains uncertain.
During the raid, local militant leader Yazid Jaayseh was reported killed. Hamas mourned his death but did not claim him as a member, describing the authority's actions as “absolutely identical to Israel’s aggression and criminality.”
Residents of Jenin reported heavy gunfire between Palestinian security forces and militants beginning early Saturday morning. One resident, Omar Obeid, expressed dismay, stating, “None of this fighting should ever have happened. Violence isn’t going to get us anywhere. We need a bigger solution.”
Prior to the official announcement, Palestinian forces had already intensified their operations in Jenin, leading to increased clashes with militants and putting civilians at risk. Recently, the authority took responsibility for the killing of 19-year-old Rabhi Shalabi in Jenin, initially attributing his death to “lawbreakers” before confirming involvement in the incident.