What's happened
On December 16, 2024, Palestinian security forces launched a significant operation in the Jenin refugee camp, targeting local militant groups. The raid, which has resulted in casualties, marks a rare crackdown by the Palestinian Authority amid escalating violence in the West Bank since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, the Palestinian security forces' operation in Jenin is unprecedented in scale, with Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab stating it aims to impose order and restore societal security. The Independent highlights the PA's struggle to maintain control, noting that the operation has resulted in civilian casualties, including the death of a young man, Rabhi Shalabi, which has drawn criticism from the public. Axios emphasizes the urgency of the operation, describing it as a 'make or break moment' for the PA, while the New York Times points out the PA's delicate position, fearing that aggressive actions against militants could undermine its legitimacy among Palestinians. This multifaceted coverage illustrates the complex dynamics at play in the region, with varying interpretations of the PA's motives and the implications of its actions.
How we got here
The Palestinian Authority has struggled to maintain control in areas like Jenin, where militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad have gained influence. The recent escalation in violence follows the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which has led to increased Israeli military operations in the West Bank.
Common question
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What Happened During the Palestinian Forces Raid in Jenin?
On December 16, 2024, Palestinian security forces conducted a significant raid in the Jenin refugee camp, targeting local militant groups. This operation has raised numerous questions about its implications for security in the region, the ongoing violence in the West Bank, and the international response. Here are some common questions and answers regarding this critical event.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The Palestinian National Authority is the interim self-government body established in 1994 following the Gaza–Jericho Agreement to govern the Gaza Strip and Areas A and B of the West Bank, as a consequence of the 1993 Oslo Accords.
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Jenin is a Palestinian city in the northern West Bank. It serves as the administrative center of the Jenin Governorate and is a major center for the surrounding towns. In 2007 the city had a population of 39,004. Jenin is under the administration of the P
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.