The security forces of the authority have been attempting to apprehend numerous men described as outlaws trying to take control of a camp that was originally established for Palestinians displaced from their homes following the inception of Israel in 1948. This camp now houses around 25,000 individuals and has become a developed area. Hamas refers to the fighters within the camp as the “resistance,” a collective of militant groups that view the authority and its security forces as acting in favor of Israel.
The militant factions, such as the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Qassem Brigades under the Jenin Battalion, are involved in the conflict. The authority claims that its forces have made significant progress in the camp, although they lack the advanced technology and weaponry that the Israeli military possesses. Tragically, a member of the Palestinian Presidential Guard was killed by gunfire from militants, and one militant leader along with three teenagers, the youngest being 14, have also lost their lives. Each side blames the other for these casualties.
The recent escalation in violence marks a tragic conclusion to a deadly year in the region. In September, Israel conducted a prolonged operation in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas in the northern West Bank, resulting in at least 39 fatalities and extensive damage, as reported by the authority’s health ministry and the United Nations. Among those killed were at least nine militants, as confirmed by statements from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Jenin has become a litmus test for the Palestinian Authority, which is responsible for security in a significant portion of the West Bank under the Oslo Accords. However, Israel has continued to expand its control over the occupied territories, establish settlements, and conduct frequent incursions against militant Palestinian groups. Demonstrating control in Jenin is critical for the authority if it aims to assume a larger role in governing Palestinian territories or negotiate a return to Gaza, an option consistently rejected by the Israeli government.
One of the militant leaders, Qais al Saa’di, mentioned in an interview with CNN conducted within the camp that Israel is offering the authority an opportunity in Jenin to prove its ability to manage the city, suggesting that this could lead to potential control over Gaza. The events in Jenin also serve as an indicator of Iranian influence among the militants, with Al-Sa’adi acknowledging support from Iran. Israeli security services have expressed concerns regarding this growing Iranian influence.
The extent and nature of Iranian support for the militants remain unclear. Nonetheless, Israeli security forces reported in November the discovery of significant amounts of Iranian-supplied weapons near Jenin. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized during a recent visit to the West Bank that Iran would not succeed in establishing a stronghold in the refugee camps and that measures were being taken to prevent weapons smuggling from Jordan.
A spokesperson for the Palestinian security forces, Brigadier General Anwar Rajab, stated in an interview with CNN that Iran’s financial support for the militants aimed to sow disorder and
The Jenin Battalion is currently located in the camp, which serves as the focal point for a new surge of Palestinian activism in the occupied territories. The group’s increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has complicated efforts by both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to counter them. Qais Al-Sa’adi informed CNN that IEDs had caused significant damage to Israeli military vehicles and issued a warning to security forces, stating, “If you venture into our territory, you will meet the same fate.” He emphasized their expertise in urban warfare as a significant advantage. Security forces argue that the militants are endangering civilians by planting explosive devices in public areas and residential buildings. The situation in Jenin has divided Palestinian opinions, with some residents feeling unprotected by the Israeli military and criticizing the Palestinian Authority for insufficient assistance. The ongoing conflict has disrupted daily life in the camp, with essential services like water and electricity severely impacted. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has halted its services in the camp due to the violence. Residents have expressed frustration with the security forces, accusing them of escalating the violence. Calls for dialogue between the Palestinian Authority and the militants have been made by local residents, highlighting the urgency for a peaceful resolution. Amid the deteriorating conditions and restricted movement out of the camp, residents are feeling increasingly desperate and unsafe.
The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ residence in the West Bank city of Ramallah is often referred to as the “residential compound.” Palestinian officials have consistently voiced their frustrations over the lack of necessary equipment to effectively address militant activities. Furthermore, the Palestinian authority has encountered challenges garnering support in key areas, such as Jenin’s refugee camp, which remains under the firm control of the Jenin Battalion. Stay informed with the latest CNN news and newsletters by creating an account at CNN.com.
