Jenin Battalion Leader Affirms Commitment to Resistance Against Israeli Occupation
In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Abu Watan, the leader of the Jenin Battalion, a faction affiliated with the Al-Quds Brigades of the Islamic Jihad Movement, reiterated that their weapons are solely aimed at the Israeli occupation. He emphasized that the battalion will not allow any entity to disarm them, regardless of the sacrifices required. This declaration comes amid escalating violence in the Jenin camp, where clashes between Palestinian resistance fighters and the Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces have persisted for over two weeks.
Ongoing Clashes and Humanitarian Crisis in Jenin
The violent confrontations in Jenin have resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of a field commander from the Jenin Battalion and two PA security personnel. The conflict, which has lasted for 18 days, has seen the PA employing new weaponry, including RPG shells, while besieging the camp from multiple directions. This siege has severely impacted daily life, disrupting essential services such as electricity and water supply, and leading to a deteriorating humanitarian situation. Tragically, the violence has also resulted in the deaths of three children and numerous injuries, predominantly among minors.
Resistance Fighters Reject PA's Labeling and Disarmament Efforts
Abu Watan criticized the PA's characterization of resistance fighters as
asserting that the Jenin Battalion remains committed to its mission against the Israeli occupation. He accused the PA of collaborating with American and Israeli interests to suppress the resistance, which has been active for over four years. The tensions escalated following the PA's arrest of key resistance figures, which provoked a backlash from the Jenin Battalion, leading to hostage situations involving PA vehicles. The ongoing violence and resistance in Jenin reflect broader tensions in the northern West Bank, particularly against the backdrop of Israeli military actions and settler violence in the region.
