Palestinian Security Forces Launch Uncommon Crackdown on Militants in West Bank Amid Rising Tensions

Palestinian security forces have initiated an unusual operation against militant groups in the northern West Bank. This action involved armoured vehicles and intense gunfire, resulting in at least two fatalities. The Palestinian Authority, which governs semi-autonomous regions in the West Bank, has largely lost control over areas like Jenin, where this operation took place over the weekend and into Monday.

Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have frequently intervened in these regions. According to Palestinian health officials, 811 Palestinians have died in the West Bank since then, mostly due to Israeli raids. Israel claims most of those killed were militants. On Saturday, Palestinian security forces began their operation in the Jenin refugee camp, a known militant stronghold.

Security Forces' Actions and Reactions

The operation continued into Monday, with heavy gunfire heard and armoured vehicles seen near the camp. The U.N. humanitarian office reported that security forces occupied part of a hospital in Jenin as a base, firing from inside. At least eight men were detained, including one taken from the hospital on a stretcher. The U.N.'s main agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, halted its services, including education.

Islamic Jihad and Hamas operate openly in Jenin, with streets displaying posters of deceased fighters hailed as martyrs. Young men with walkie-talkies patrol the area. Israel considers these groups part of Iran's "axis of resistance," noting their financial and other support from Iran despite their deep roots in Palestinian society.

Official Statements and Public Sentiment

Brigadier General Anwar Rajab stated that security forces are acting under a clear political directive from Palestinian leadership to restore order and societal security by targeting Iran-backed groups inciting chaos. During the crackdown, two men were reported dead: Rabhi Shalabi, a 19-year-old civilian shot while on a motorcycle, and Yazi Jaayseh, an Islamic Jihad militant.

The security forces initially denied involvement in Shalabi's death but later admitted it without explaining why he was targeted. His 15-year-old cousin was also shot and injured. U.N. officials cited local video evidence showing the pair unarmed and delivering food when shot; Shalabi reportedly raised his hands before being killed.

International Perspectives and Local Criticism

The timing of this crackdown by the Palestinian Authority remains unclear. Such actions are generally unpopular among Palestinians, who often accuse their security forces of collaborating with Israel. The Israeli military stated it was not involved in this operation and offered no further comments.

Hamas senior official Mahmoud Mardawi criticised the Palestinian Authority's actions in Jenin as an "attempt to end the resistance." He called for an immediate halt to what he described as "unpatriotic behaviour that serves the occupation." Meanwhile, U.S. officials have refrained from publicly commenting on their stance regarding the Jenin operation.

The U.N. reports that since the war began, at least seven Palestinians have been killed by Palestinian security forces. Additionally, at least 24 Israelis have been killed by Palestinian attackers in the West Bank during this period.