Clashes Erupt in Jenin Refugee Camp Amid Palestinian Authority Disarming Efforts

Tensions have escalated dramatically in the Jenin refugee camp, located in the northern West Bank, following violent confrontations between Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces and various armed groups. These clashes, which began mid-December, have resulted in the deaths of six PA soldiers, four militants, and three civilians, including a journalism student, Shatha al-Sabbagh, who was shot while accompanied by her mother.

The Jenin camp, established in 1948, is home to around 23,000 residents and has a history of conflict, notably the 2002 Battle of Jenin. In recent months, Israeli military operations have intensified in response to a wave of violence, including the deaths of 1,200 Israelis in an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. However, the current fighting has shifted focus to internal Palestinian clashes.

As the PA attempts to disarm what it describes as "outlaws" and "criminals," armed factions in the camp have formed alliances and are resisting the PA's authority. The PA has accused media outlet Al Jazeera of inciting unrest through its coverage of the clashes, leading to a ban on the network's broadcasts in the West Bank. In response to claims of control over spaces like health centers and the deployment of anti-personnel mines, PA officials have highlighted the instability these militants bring to the area.

Controversy surrounds the shooting of al-Sabbagh; while the PA claims the bullet was fired from an Israeli-made M-16 rifle used by militants, armed groups assert that PA forces were responsible. In the wake of the violence, many residents express frustration and demand less interference from the PA, seeking to maintain peace and stability within the crowded camp.

The situation remains fluid as the PA continues its operations against armed groups, asserting that Iranian backing fuels their resistance efforts.