April 24, 2025 5:07 am
Full News

Palestinian Authority Cracks Down on Militants in West Bank Amid Rising Tensions

The Palestinian Authority (PA) is intensifying its efforts to crack down on militants in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, aiming to assert control and bolster its position ahead of Donald Trump’s presidency, analysts say.

Deadly clashes erupted in early December between PA security forces and militants, primarily in the Jenin refugee camp, a stronghold for armed groups. The violence has left 11 people dead, including PA security officers, militants, and civilians.

The PA’s operation, triggered by the December 5 arrest of a Jenin Battalion commander accused of possessing weapons and illicit funds, is focused on members of the Jenin Battalion, many of whom are linked to Islamic Jihad or Hamas. The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel sparked the ongoing Gaza war, adding to the regional turmoil.

“What is happening in Jenin is a crucial test for the Palestinian Authority, which is trying to assert its control and impose security in the region,” AFP quoted political analyst Khalil Shahin as saying.

A PA official said President Mahmoud Abbas has rejected mediation efforts and demanded that militants surrender their weapons. PA security forces spokesman Anwar Rajab stated, “there will be no tolerance for this rogue group that operates outside the law.”

The clashes point to the growing rivalry between the PA, dominated by Abbas’s Fatah party, and Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007. Armed factions in Jenin and other areas portray themselves as more effective resistance against Israel, undermining the PA’s credibility.

Analysts suggest the PA is trying to prove its ability to control violence in the West Bank and potentially govern Gaza post-war. Shahin noted that the PA is attempting to navigate the ongoing conflict and regional instability ahead of Trump’s January inauguration.

During Trump’s first term, US-Palestinian relations soured after decisions such as moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, cutting aid to Palestinians, and supporting Israeli annexation plans. Hani al-Masri, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies, said the timing of the PA’s actions appears to be an effort to align with Trump’s return to office and potential ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

Masri cautioned against “illusions” that Trump would adopt a more favourable stance in his second term. The PA “believes it will be acceptable to the new Trump (presidency) if it lowers,” he said.

Meanwhile, tensions are escalating between the PA and its rivals. Videos of alleged abuses by PA security forces have fueled accusations from Hamas and Islamic Jihad that the PA is advancing Israeli interests. Fatah has responded by denouncing those who “legitimise chaos and anarchy.”

The clashes, compounded by the ongoing war in Gaza and increased Israeli military raids in the West Bank, have raised fears of more intense intra-Palestinian violence. The Palestinian government has yet to announce its next steps in the volatile region.Palestinian Authority Cracks Down on Militants in West Bank Amid Rising Tensions

The Palestinian Authority (PA) is intensifying its efforts to crack down on militants in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, aiming to assert control and bolster its position ahead of Donald Trump’s presidency, analysts say.

Deadly clashes erupted in early December between PA security forces and militants, primarily in the Jenin refugee camp, a stronghold for armed groups. The violence has left 11 people dead, including PA security officers, militants, and civilians.

The PA’s operation, triggered by the December 5 arrest of a Jenin Battalion commander accused of possessing weapons and illicit funds, is focused on members of the Jenin Battalion, many of whom are linked to Islamic Jihad or Hamas. The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel sparked the ongoing Gaza war, adding to the regional turmoil.

“What is happening in Jenin is a crucial test for the Palestinian Authority, which is trying to assert its control and impose security in the region,” AFP quoted political analyst Khalil Shahin as saying.

A PA official said President Mahmoud Abbas has rejected mediation efforts and demanded that militants surrender their weapons. PA security forces spokesman Anwar Rajab stated, “there will be no tolerance for this rogue group that operates outside the law.”

The clashes point to the growing rivalry between the PA, dominated by Abbas’s Fatah party, and Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007. Armed factions in Jenin and other areas portray themselves as more effective resistance against Israel, undermining the PA’s credibility.

Analysts suggest the PA is trying to prove its ability to control violence in the West Bank and potentially govern Gaza post-war. Shahin noted that the PA is attempting to navigate the ongoing conflict and regional instability ahead of Trump’s January inauguration.

During Trump’s first term, US-Palestinian relations soured after decisions such as moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, cutting aid to Palestinians, and supporting Israeli annexation plans. Hani al-Masri, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies, said the timing of the PA’s actions appears to be an effort to align with Trump’s return to office and potential ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

Masri cautioned against “illusions” that Trump would adopt a more favourable stance in his second term. The PA “believes it will be acceptable to the new Trump (presidency) if it lowers,” he said.

Meanwhile, tensions are escalating between the PA and its rivals. Videos of alleged abuses by PA security forces have fueled accusations from Hamas and Islamic Jihad that the PA is advancing Israeli interests. Fatah has responded by denouncing those who “legitimise chaos and anarchy.”

The clashes, compounded by the ongoing war in Gaza and increased Israeli military raids in the West Bank, have raised fears of more intense intra-Palestinian violence. The Palestinian government has yet to announce its next steps in the volatile region.

Related News
Over 400 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza in a Single Night
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Arrested by ICC for Crimes Against Humanity
Trump’s Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants from First Day
Trump Will Start The First Day With More Than Two Hundred Executive Orders
Tariffs on Semiconductors Coming Soon: Donald Trump
Liverpool’s Victory Over Salah’s Magic
Related Posts
MIDI Strategic Vision: Analysis of Development and Economic Impact in Bangladesh.
Title: South Asia’s Growth Prospects Declining Alarmingly: World Bank
India Declares Pakistani Military Advisers ‘Persona Non Grata’
India Cancels Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan Following Kashmir Attack
Swachip Office Vandalized Amid Political Turmoil : Bangladeshi Doctors’ Body Blames ‘Illegitimate Yunus Government’
Modi Avoids Pakistani Airspace on Return from Saudi Arabia
More News

Tragedy in China: Stabbing Spree in Wuxi Leaves 8 Dead, 17 Injured

A 21-year-old former student carried out a deadly stabbing spree at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in Jiangsu province, China, killing eight people and injuring 17 on Saturday evening, according to police reports. The suspect, who failed to graduate this year due to poor academic performance, reportedly returned to the school to […]

Innovative Rail Bus Launched in Dubai

Dubai has introduced an innovative rail bus, confirmed by the country’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Monday. According to the authorities, this new type of bus can reach a maximum speed of 100 km per hour and has the capacity to carry 40 passengers at a time, Gulf News reported. The rail bus is […]

Eastern Congo’s M23 Conflict Risks Escalating Into Regional War, Warns UN Secretary-General

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning that the ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) risks escalating into a broader regional war. The Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, condemned the recent capture of the strategic town of Sake by the M23 fighters, highlighting the devastating […]

PM Modi’s Adviser Alleges USAID Influenced India’s Policies and Elections

Sanjeev Sanyal, economic adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accused the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of playing a covert role in shaping India’s medical and social policies, in addition to allegedly meddling in the country’s electoral processes. In a series of posts on social media platform X on Monday, Sanyal claimed […]

Tories Push for Technological Solutions and Stricter Immigration Controls to Reduce Net Migration

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Immigration Minister Chris Philp called for greater investment in technology to reduce the UK’s reliance on low-wage migrants. Citing examples from other countries, Philp highlighted the potential for automation and innovation to transform industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. “In Australia and New Zealand, robotic and automated fruit- and vegetable-picking equipment […]

Congress Urges Centre to Safeguard Minorities in Bangladesh

The Indian National Congress has expressed deep concern over the atmosphere of insecurity faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. On Wednesday, November 27, Congress urged the central government to appeal to the Bangladesh government to “take necessary steps and ensure the security of life and property of minorities in the country.” This statement followed the […]

Morocco, Spain, and Portugal to Host 2030 World Cup; Saudi Arabia Secures 2034 Edition

The Voice News Desk In a landmark announcement by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a virtual extraordinary Congress, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal were confirmed as the hosts for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia was awarded the hosting rights for the 2034 tournament. 2030 World Cup: A Centennial Celebration Across Three ContinentsThe 2030 World […]

Traffic Congestion on Roads! UAE to Launch Air Taxis

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is advancing into a new era by developing air routes for air taxis and cargo drones. The primary goal of this initiative is to create a smart transportation system, make urban transport more sustainable, and reduce traffic congestion on city roads. Within the next 20 months, the design and regulations […]

PM Modi Highlights ‘Make in India’ Initiative as Key to Economic Self-Reliance

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Dec 9 reiterated the importance of a strong manufacturing base for ensuring economic resilience in times of global crises. He emphasized India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance through its flagship Make in India initiative, aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing for both national and global needs. “The world today […]

Is Elon musk’s Starlink  coming to Bangladesh?

Starlink Eyes Entry into Bangladesh as Policies Shift SpaceX Officials Visit Dhaka for Negotiations SpaceX, the operator of satellite internet service Starlink, is moving closer to entering the Bangladeshi market. Recent reports reveal that company officials have visited Dhaka to negotiate with the Bangladesh ICT Division and other stakeholders to secure approval for launching services […]