PA’s Jenin Crackdown Aims To Halt Hamas Expansion in the West Bank
A member of Palestinian security forces stands in a roundabout in the Jenin camp in the north of the West Bank on Dec. 29, 2024. (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images)

PA’s Jenin Crackdown Aims To Halt Hamas Expansion in the West Bank

Elias Zananiri explores the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) intensified efforts in Jenin to prevent Hamas from expanding its influence in the West Bank, as detailed in this in-depth article. The PA has launched a large-scale security operation in Jenin and its refugee camp to counter armed factions like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which are backed by Iran. The operation is seen as a critical attempt to maintain the PA’s authority and avoid the chaos experienced in Gaza during its prolonged conflict.

The crackdown targets not only faction fighters but also criminals who exploit the guise of resistance. Palestinian security forces face challenges such as smuggled weapons and growing concerns over Israeli intentions to dismantle the PA entirely. Amid these tensions, the PA deployed its elite Division 101 to restore order, an operation viewed by many Palestinians as a last resort to protect their governing authority.

Hamas, desperate to secure relevance after its miscalculated October 2024 attacks, remains a destabilizing force. Statements from Gaza reflect public exhaustion with the violence, with many calling for a return to PA governance. As Zananiri outlines, the Jenin campaign is a pivotal test for the PA to prove its legitimacy and prevent further destabilization in the West Bank.

To understand the intricate dynamics of this conflict, including the regional and political implications, I encourage you to read Zananiri’s full analysis, which provides crucial context and insight into the challenges faced by Palestinian leaders.

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