JENIN, West Bank — In an unprecedented move, Palestinian security forces have initiated a significant crackdown on militant organizations in northern West Bank, deploying armored vehicles and engaging in intense gunfights, which have resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals in a region known for its volatility.
This operation represents a rare action taken by the Palestinian Authority, the entity that governs certain semi-autonomous areas in the occupied West Bank. Despite international recognition, the Authority has struggled to maintain control over militant enclaves like Jenin, where confrontations occurred throughout the weekend and extended into Monday.
In recent years, Israeli forces have filled the vacuum in the region, particularly following the October 7, 2023, militant attack by Hamas, which escalated the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to Palestinian health officials, the death toll in the West Bank since the conflict’s onset has reached 811, primarily due to Israeli incursions into local towns and cities. Israeli officials maintain that a majority of those killed were militants.
On Saturday, Palestinian security forces announced their operations in the Jenin refugee camp, a historic stronghold for militant activity. By Monday, heavy gunfire was reported, and observers noted the presence of at least two armored vehicles in the vicinity of the camp.
The U.N. humanitarian office indicated that the security forces had taken control of part of a local hospital, using it as a base and allegedly firing from within the premises. Reports indicate that at least eight individuals were detained, including one man who was removed from the hospital on a stretcher, as stated by U.N. representatives.
The main U.N. agency assisting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has paused its services including educational programs due to the ongoing violence.
In Jenin, militant factions such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas operate with relative freedom, and the streets are frequently adorned with posters commemorating fighters who have died in the conflict. Young men, equipped with walkie-talkies, maintain a presence in the neighborhood, patrolling the alleys.
Israeli authorities categorize these militant groups as part of the Iranian “axis of resistance.” While both organizations receive financial and logistical support from Iran, they have deeply integrated themselves into Palestinian society.
According to Palestinian security spokesperson Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab, the operation is driven by a definitive political strategy from the Palestinian leadership, emphasizing the need to restore order, uphold the rule of law, and maintain societal security. He indicated that security forces aim to eliminate the influence of Iran-backed groups attempting to foster “chaos and anarchy.”
Reports from Palestinian security forces indicate that the crackdown has resulted in the deaths of two individuals: 19-year-old Rabhi Shalabi, a civilian killed while riding a motorcycle, and Yazi Jaayseh, a member of Islamic Jihad. Initially, security forces denied responsibility for Shalabi’s death, but later acknowledged it in a statement. The precise reason behind the targeting of Shalabi remains unclear. His 15-year-old cousin, also on the motorcycle, sustained a gunshot wound to the head. U.N. officials, referencing local video recordings, contend the two were unarmed and delivering food when the shooting occurred, stating that Shalabi had raised his hands before being shot.
The timing of the Palestinian Authority’s decision to execute this crackdown is uncertain, as such actions are generally met with resistance from the Palestinian populace, many of whom accuse the security forces of colluding with Israel.
The Israeli military has stated it is not involved in the operation and has refrained from further comment. Hamas senior official Mahmoud Mardawi criticized the Palestinian Authority’s actions in Jenin as an “attempt to undermine resistance,” urging the Authority to cease what he terms “unpatriotic” behavior that benefits the occupation.
The United States has been attempting to bolster the Palestinian Authority in hopes that it will effectively govern the Gaza Strip post-conflict. However, White House officials have chosen not to publicly comment on the Jenin operation, nor have representatives from the U.S. National Security Council provided any statements regarding the situation.
Since the start of the conflict, the U.N. reports indicate that at least seven Palestinians have been killed by Palestinian security forces, while Palestinian attackers have also resulted in at least 24 Israeli deaths in the West Bank.
