Hamas calls for 'mobilization' to repel PA security forces in West Bank

"We emphasize that the continuation of the PA's security operation indicates that it is turning a deaf ear to all Palestinian voices," the terror group claimed.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF DECEMBER 17, 2024 10:10 Updated: DECEMBER 17, 2024 10:41

A member of the Palestinian security forces aims a weapon during clashes with gunmen in Jenin in the West Bank, December 14, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/RANEEN SAWAFTA)

Hamas called on "all movements, factions, tribal gatherings, and human rights organizations to mobilize massively" to repel the ongoing operation carried out by Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank city of Jenin in an official statement on Tuesday.

"We emphasize that the continuation of the PA's security operation indicates that it is turning a deaf ear to all Palestinian voices calling for its cessation and for the protection of the resistance," the terror group's statement read, adding that the PA operation "serves only the occupation army and its futile dreams of ending the resistance in the West Bank."

The large-scale Jenin operation began earlier in December after Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists stole vehicles belonging to the Palestinian Authority.

Clashes have been since reported between terrorists and PA security forces in the area, with terrorists detonating a car bomb in the vicinity of a police station in Jenin.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the  US had asked Israel to approve the supply of weapons to the PA's security forces. 

Illustrative image of a Hamas terrorist. (credit: Canva, Hamas Military Wing/Handout via REUTERS, REUTERS/Ramadan Abed)

PA kills PIJ brigade commander

The commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad's Jenin Brigade was reportedly killed after Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces and terrorists exchanged fire on Saturday as the security forces attempted to clear the fighters from the West Bank city of Jenin, according to Israeli and Arab reports.

The commander was named as Yazid Ja'isa.

According to Israeli state broadcaster KAN News, the terrorists reportedly attempted to stop the security forces from entering the refugee camp. 

Walla, Danielle Greyman-Kennard, and Sam Halpern contributed to this report.