The recent IDF operation in the Jenin refugee camp has inflicted yet another severe blow to the PA and Mahmoud Abbas’s standing among Palestinians.
However, instead of achieving their intended result, the IDF operation has only served to weaken the PA further.
The Palestinians now perceive the PA as nothing more than an executor of Israel’s security policies in Judea and Samaria.
This sentiment was evident during the funeral of nine terrorists who were killed in the IDF operation.
Senior officials from the Fatah movement, including Mahmoud al-Aloul, Abbas’s deputy, and Fatah leader Azzam al-Ahmed, were expelled from the funeral by an angry crowd that accused the PA of betraying the Palestinian people and acting as “agents of Israel.”
In a display of anger, dozens of young Palestinians attacked the PA government building in Jenin and confronted the PA security forces as they approached the refugee camp.
The residents of the Jenin refugee camp hold the PA responsible for failing to protect them during the IDF operation, with Mahmoud Abbas’s alleged inaction exacerbating the situation.
The PA chairman did not instruct the PA security forces to shield the camp’s inhabitants from the IDF forces.
This weakening of the PA will make it challenging for Israel to strengthen and involve it in security activities in northern Samaria.
The PA will struggle to operate in the Jenin refugee camp or any other refugee camps in the region where the IDF plans to target the terrorist infrastructure.
A senior official within the Fatah movement has criticized Mahmoud Abbas, stating that he is a major leadership failure.
The official claims that the movement is now paying a high price for Abbas’s mistakes, including his refusal to combat the terrorist groups in northern Samaria when they were smaller and weaker.
Now, the terrorist threat has grown into a significant challenge, potentially leading to a civil war in Palestinian cities in Judea and Samaria if a war against them is waged.
Senior officials in Fatah are deeply concerned about the weakening of the movement’s position on the Palestinian street due to Abbas’s conduct.
However, they fear openly opposing him since he controls the financial resources and appointments.
Israel, the US, and European countries are currently seeking ways to strengthen the PA economically. However, this alone will not bolster its standing among Palestinians.
According to public opinion polls, the majority of Palestinians want Mahmoud Abbas to step down immediately and hold new elections.
Anger Directed at Hamas
In addition to their anger towards the Palestinian Authority, residents of the Jenin refugee camp also hold Hamas accountable and accuse the group of betrayal in Jenin.
During the IDF operation in the Jenin refugee camp, Hamas did not take action and prevented Palestinian factions from launching rockets at Israel.
It was only after the IDF forces left the camp that Hamas gave them the “green light” to launch five rockets, which were intercepted by the “Iron Dome” system.
Several Hamas activists in the Jenin refugee camp have resigned from the movement in protest of the leadership’s behavior in the Gaza Strip.
The primary beneficiary of the IDF operation in the Jenin refugee camp is the Islamic Jihad, whose influence has grown stronger on the Palestinian street.
Islamic Jihad activists spearheaded the battles against IDF soldiers in the camp. This group, which has close ties to Iran, now enjoys an increased position of power.
These recent developments raise significant concerns within the Israeli security system. They have a direct impact on the expected succession battle within the Palestinian
