In the city of JENIN, located in the West Bank, a significant event unfolded last month that captured the attention of the world. The Israeli military conducted a massive raid on a Palestinian refugee camp, marking the largest operation of its kind in years.
However, what followed was an unexpected turn of events as the Palestinians directed their anger not only towards the Israeli forces but also towards their own security forces.
This outpouring of rage manifested in the form of gunfire, firebombs, and pipe bombs, which were aimed at Palestinian security buildings.
The underlying cause of this fury was the perceived failure of the Palestinian Authority to protect its citizens from the devastating raid that occurred on July 3rd.
Additionally, the longstanding and deeply unpopular security alliance between the Palestinian Authority and Israel was also a target of criticism.
Brigadier General Azzam Jebara, the head of police in Jenin, expressed his concerns during a recent ceremony held to honor the officers who valiantly defended a police station from the rampaging protesters.
He drew parallels between the events that unfolded that night and the lead-up to the Hamas coup in Gaza, considering it a warning of potential future consequences.
The Hamas militant group’s violent takeover of Gaza from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ forces in 2007 has left a lasting scar on the Palestinian Authority.
In an effort to prevent further destabilization and maintain control in the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority has reluctantly cooperated with Israel to suppress Islamist militant groups and ensure the dominance of the secular nationalist Fatah party.
This strategic alliance, albeit a delicate one, has been forged out of necessity, as Hamas not only poses a significant threat to Israel’s security but also emerges as the most formidable rival to Fatah’s political influence.
It is within this complex context that the Palestinian Authority has made difficult decisions to prioritize stability and security, often at the expense of its own aspirations for self-determination and statehood.
The unrest that occurred in July shed light on the deep-seated resentment that Palestinians harbor toward their semi-autonomous government, and it also prompted a much-needed reflection for their beleaguered security forces.
Clad in their distinctive blue camouflage uniforms, these forces have become a symbol of the internal strife plaguing Palestinian society, and they have faced widespread criticism for their collaboration with Israel. Nevertheless, they still embody the aspirations of Palestinians for statehood.
In an attempt to rebuild trust during a period of relative calm in terms of Israeli military incursions, the Palestinian police have intensified their efforts to restore order in the city of Jenin, which has long been plagued by criminal activities, particularly due to its proximity to a militarized refugee camp.
However, this campaign has also highlighted the limitations faced by the security forces. Despite their best efforts, they have been unable to shield their people from the relentless attacks by radical Jewish settlers and the near-daily military raids conducted by the Israeli forces throughout the West Bank.
As a result, the Palestinian security forces find themselves on the verge of collapse, with their law enforcement system hanging by a thread.
Ibrahim Abahre, the deputy head of Preventive Security, a domestic intelligence agency based in Jenin, candidly admitted the precariousness of the situation.
He acknowledged that any semblance of control they may have managed to establish is illusory, as the Israeli army could swoop in at any moment, potentially triggering an explosive and volatile situation.
The realities on the ground have forced the Palestinian security forces to confront the harsh truth that their ability to protect their people and maintain order is severely compromised.
In conclusion, the July unrest has laid bare the deep-seated resentment harbored by Palestinians towards their semi-autonomous government, while also exposing the vulnerabilities and limitations of their security forces.
Despite their symbolic significance as a beacon of hope for statehood, the forces find themselves grappling with an increasingly untenable situation.
The ongoing attacks by radical settlers and the frequent military raids by Israeli forces have pushed the Palestinian security apparatus to the brink of collapse. The future remains uncertain, and the potential for further instability looms large.
Since the advent of spring last year, the Jenin refugee camp has become a hotbed of militant activity, with Palestinian forces losing control over the situation.
This has resulted in a series of shooting attacks in both the West Bank and Israel, carried out by these militants. In response, Israeli soldiers have conducted numerous raids on the camp, aiming to eliminate and apprehend suspected militants.
However, the most recent operation on July 3 was particularly noteworthy, as Israeli special forces entered the camp using drone strikes as cover.
This operation resulted in the deaths of 12 Palestinians, with at least eight of them confirmed as militants, and left dozens wounded, as well as significant destruction in its wake.
Tragically, an Israeli soldier also lost his life during the operation, which evoked memories of one of the largest battles of the second Palestinian uprising, which occurred over two decades ago.
The toll of this escalating conflict is deeply concerning, with nearly 180 Palestinians having been killed by Israeli fire across the West Bank in 2023 alone.
Shockingly, almost half of the fatalities were individuals affiliated with militant groups, as reported by The Associated Press. This marks the highest death toll in the region in nearly twenty years. Conversely, Palestinian attacks on Israelis have claimed the lives of 27 people this year.
Israel maintains that its incursions into the Jenin refugee camp and other areas are necessary counterterrorism measures, driven by the unwillingness of Palestinian security forces to intervene against the militants.
An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to engage with the media, stated, “There is a line to how many Israelis can be killed while the Palestinians work out their internal struggles. At some point, we just have to go in.”
The situation in the Jenin refugee camp and the wider West Bank remains highly volatile and fraught with tension. The loss of life and destruction caused by these ongoing clashes is deeply tragic, and it underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The international community must play a proactive role in facilitating dialogue and negotiations between the parties involved, with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.
Only through sincere efforts and a commitment to understanding and compromise can the cycle of violence and suffering be brought to an end.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has led to a deepening divide, with Palestinians accusing Israel of intentionally undermining their security efforts.
This accusation has been strongly voiced by acting Jenin governor Kamal Abu al-Rub, who claims that the Israeli raids are not only aimed at embarrassing them but also exacerbating tensions, fueling anger towards the Palestinian Authority, and inspiring further militancy. Maj. Gen. Akram Rajoub, a respected security commander and former Jenin governor, acknowledges the diminishing power of the Palestinian Authority but emphasizes their role in attempting to control the chaos that ensues when Israel invades.
He argues that chaos undermines the respect for authority, making it even more challenging to maintain order and stability in the region.
The situation is further complicated by the emergence of independent fighters from factions like Fatah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who represent a new generation of frustrated Palestinians.
These militants argue that the Palestinian Authority, which once promised them statehood, has transformed into a mere subcontractor for the Israeli occupation, incapable of adequately paying salaries or providing essential municipal services.
One such militant, 32-year-old Abu Suleiman, who previously served as a major in the security forces, states that while President Abbas can focus on politics, his own expertise lies in resistance.
This sentiment highlights the growing disillusionment among Palestinians, who feel betrayed by their own leadership and are increasingly drawn towards more radical forms of resistance.
In the aftermath of July’s raid, an air of tension and dissatisfaction hangs over the Palestinian Authority’s actions, as viewed from the perspective of an anonymous individual hiding in his living room, which bears the scars of the recent attack.
Preferring to be known only by his nom de guerre due to being wanted by the Israeli military, he asserts that everything the Palestinian Authority does ultimately serves Israel’s interests.
This sentiment was further underscored during the funeral for those who lost their lives in the raid, where enraged crowds hurled insults at senior officials from the ruling Fatah party, accusing them of collaboration with Israel.
The outpouring of anger and frustration was a collective response, a wake-up call to the authorities, demanding that they fulfill their duty of defending and protecting their people, a duty they were perceived to have failed.
Nidal Naghnagheyeh, a 51-year-old committee head overseeing social support programs in the camp, explained that the chants of “collaborators” were a natural reaction to the perceived lack of action.
In an effort to restore order and demonstrate their ability to govern without Israeli interference, Palestinian security forces have begun rebuilding their presence in Jenin, prompting the Israeli army to scale back its operations in the camp.
As part of this effort, 1,000 new security officers from Abbas’ presidential guard have been deployed across the city of Jenin, setting up checkpoints to apprehend criminals who have long sought refuge there. The result is a subdued atmosphere, with militants choosing to lay low rather than flaunt their weapons in the streets.
In the weeks following recent events, the police have made significant strides in curbing criminal activities within the region. Numerous stolen vehicles have been apprehended from the streets, and an impressive quantity of narcotic pills have been confiscated.
Moreover, a commendable 364 criminals have been apprehended, among them being over a dozen individuals wanted for cold murder cases.
As a testament to their commitment to law and order, authorities are making preparations to inaugurate a local prison, which will aid in deterring criminal behavior.
Additionally, the expulsion of unpermitted vendors from Jenin’s outdoor market and their relocation outside the city center has further contributed to the maintenance of order.
However, it is important to note that the law enforcement campaign does not extend to the Jenin refugee camp, which remains a significant source of instability.
The police have explicitly stated their intention to refrain from disarming gunmen sought by Israel or making arrests within the camp, underscoring the complexities of the security situation.
Despite the intensified police tactics, there has been discontent among the gunmen who engage in various illicit activities.
These individuals utilize stolen cars to carry out shooting attacks, possess smuggled weapons, and operate unlicensed vegetable stands. Just last month, the mayor of Jenin narrowly escaped an attack when disgruntled peddlers, upset about the loss of their income, opened fire on his vehicle.
The situation has become increasingly precarious for individuals like Abu Suleiman, who highlighted the constant threat they face from both the Israeli army at night and now the Palestinian Authority during the day.
In fact, Abu Suleiman recounted an incident where he was stopped by plainclothes Palestinian police officers this week and almost resorted to opening fire, mistaking them for undercover Israeli soldiers. He ominously predicted that chaos would eventually ensue.
Jebara, the police chief, expressed his disappointment in the failure to dismantle militant groups, asserting that it is tantamount to the failure of the Palestinian national project.
He, along with other dedicated officers, had joined the police force 21 years ago with the noble intention of being accountable to their people and establishing sovereignty on their own land.
However, the encroachment of Israeli settlements has dealt a severe blow to their aspirations, leaving them pondering the uncertain future of their homeland.