Violence Erupts in Jenin as Palestinian Authority and Militias Clash

Clashes in the Jenin refugee camp, located in the northern West Bank, have escalated into deadly confrontations between Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces and various militant groups since mid-December 2023. To date, the conflict has claimed the lives of six PA soldiers, four militants, and three civilians, including a 21-year-old journalism student, Shatha al-Sabbagh.

The Jenin camp, which was established following the 1948 Nakba and is home to around 23,000 residents, has become a focal point of violence. Ongoing fighting has roots that trace back to the Israeli army's increased operations in response to attacks from Hamas, particularly after the October 2023 events at the Gaza border.

Tensions are further exacerbated by the PA's attempt to disarm what it describes as "outlaws" and criminal elements within the camp. The Palestinian government has also taken the controversial step of banning Al Jazeera from broadcasting in the region, accusing the network of inciting unrest.

Militants, some affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have formed a united front against the PA, stressing their dissatisfaction with the PA's collaboration with Israeli authorities. This alliance has led to increased hostility between armed groups and the PA forces, raising fears of further instability in the West Bank.

Brigadier General Anwar Rajab, a spokesperson for the Palestinian General Intelligence forces, argues that Israeli strategies aim to undermine the authority of the PA by showcasing its inability to control the growing militant factions, some of which are reportedly financed by Iran. As the violence continues, many residents express frustration over the lack of services and security in the camp, where daily life is severely impacted by the ongoing clashes.