Hebrew media sources have reported indications of an imminent escalation in the West Bank, which is now being closely monitored by Israel.
The Israeli Channel 14 stated that:
“Israel vows to pursue Hamas in the West Bank, following Netanyahu’s strategy of eliminating every threat one after the other.”
The channel added:
“It appears that the West Bank will become the main frontline of the ongoing war.”
Preventing the Syrian Scenario in the West Bank
Earlier, the American news site Axios quoted officials stating that one of the motives behind the Jenin operation is to prevent the repetition of the Syrian model in the West Bank.
Officials explained that the operation was driven by concerns over Islamist militants attempting to overthrow the Palestinian Authority (PA), inspired by events in Syria.
The officials indicated that Mahmoud Abbas and his team feared that what happened in Aleppo and Damascus could inspire Palestinian Islamic factions.
They also noted that the primary objective of the Jenin operation is to send a message to the U.S. administration that the PA remains a “reliable partner.” Abbas’ aides reportedly briefed the Biden administration and advisors of then-President-elect Donald Trump about the operation in advance.
The Biden administration allegedly urged Israel to approve American military assistance for the PA’s security forces to support their expansive operation in the area.
Authority’s Efforts to Regain Control
Palestinian and Israeli officials revealed that the PA’s security operation aims to restore control over Jenin and its refugee camp, focusing on local militant groups affiliated with Islamic Jihad and Hamas.
A Palestinian official described the operation as a “critical moment” for the PA. American security coordinator Mike Fenzel reportedly met with PA security leaders before the operation to review their plans.
Officials disclosed that Abbas instructed his security leaders to launch the operation, warning that any disobedience would result in immediate dismissal. Some security leaders expressed reservations, but Abbas remained firm.
The American ambassador and security coordinator reportedly asked Israel to allow the transfer of equipment and ammunition to the PA forces. Additionally, the Biden administration urged Israel to release part of the tax revenues to enable the PA to pay salaries for its security forces.
Fatalities and Rising Tensions
A Palestinian teenager succumbed to his injuries after being shot by PA security forces during their ongoing campaign in Jenin. The incident occurred just hours after the assassination of Yazid Ja’ayseh, a leader of the Jenin Brigade, by PA forces.
Hamas Condemns the PA’s Actions
The Hamas movement condemned the PA security forces’ continued targeting of Palestinian resistance fighters and individuals wanted by the Israeli occupation. Hamas stated:
“The escalating and deliberate targeting of resistance fighters in Jenin aligns completely with the occupation’s aggression and crimes, ignoring all calls to stop this suppression of our people and fighters.”
Hamas emphasized that the PA’s actions are a “dangerous alarm” that fuels internal divisions at a critical and sensitive juncture in Palestinian history. The movement warned that these actions align with Israeli plans of annexation and forced displacement.
Calls for Action Against PA Security Violations
Hamas called on all national factions, political forces, and Palestinian civil society institutions, including legal and human rights organizations, to:
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- Take a firm stance against the PA’s actions, particularly in Jenin and across the West Bank.
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- Apply serious pressure to halt these violations that threaten national unity and social stability.
