The Palestinian Authority was conducting one of the most extensive security operations in its history by pursuing armed militants in the West Bank city of Jenin. For weeks, the authority’s forces progressed slowly on the militants’ densely populated stronghold. However, when the Israeli military launched its own wide-scale raid there in January, the authority did not abandon its operation like many expected. Instead, they pursued the fleeing militants and took arrests. The authority, which had long let Israel handle these situations, showed its eagerness to take on governance in Gaza by fighting and not shying away from angering Palestinians who blame the authority for the destruction in the West Bank.

Jenin became a haven for Iran-backed armed fighters from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who were getting more sophisticated with weaponry. Since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, the conflict in Gaza began, and Israel carried out numerous raids in the West Bank.

In December, the authority decided to take a firmer approach and arrested an Islamic Jihad operative who was collecting money smuggled into the West Bank. Following the operations in Jenin, more than a dozen people were killed, including security officers and civilians, and thousands were displaced. The authority arrested hundreds of people but was cautious about causing civilian casualties. Their coordination with Israel on the operation remains unclear, but General Rajab said the authority was doing what was necessary. The Israeli military inflicted severe damage and killed over 25 people in the Jenin area but claimed it killed dozens of militants. The authority continues to operate, arguing that it needs to control the militants and prevent Israel from destroying the city. However, Palestinians have criticized the authority and see the armed groups in Jenin as fighting against the occupation.

The militant groups in the Jenin Brigade of Islamic Jihad said they took up arms to confront Israeli soldiers. Some Palestinian analysts believe that the focus on security needs to be accompanied by efforts to improve living conditions. Over the past two months, nearly all residents of the Jenin camp have been displaced.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/28/world/middleeast/west-bank-jenin-palestinian-authority-israel.html