PA forces in Qalqilya
Photo: AP
PA fears Qalqilya unrest may spread to Hebron
Ramallah government concerned that series of clashes between Palestinian Authority security forces, Hamas may destabilize West Bank
Palestinian Authority sources expressed concern Saturday that the clashes between its security forces and Hamas operatives in the West Bank city of Qalqilya may ignite riots in other Palestinian cities as well.
Nine people were killed in the two clashes that took place on Sunday and on Thursday, and the Palestinian Authority fears the strife may find its way to Hebron next, where Hamas enjoys massive popularity.
Threats
Islamist group vows retaliation against Palestinian Authority for the killing of its operatives in two separate clashed in West Bank city
Palestinian Authority officials, including the Governor of Hebron himself, have met with heads of the city's clans over the last few days, in order to both ensure their neutrality in case clashes erupt, as well as to illustrate the repercussions of any such involvement; in effort to stop a strife from escalating to a clash between the PA and the local clans.
"The people of Hebron are hot-blooded and hitting a Hamas operative may be misconstrued as a hit on his family, which could in turn bring about circle of vendettas that would last years," a Palestinian security source told Ynet.
"This will mostly hurt the Palestinian Authority's effort to instill order, so we are doing everything we can to make sure the families understand that this is not meant to hurt them, only to prevent anarchy from coming back and to prevent Hamas from resurrecting its military infrastructure in the city."
According to the source, the Ramallah government is pleased with the way its forces dealt with the riots in Qalqilya, despite having lost four of its men.
Palestinian security forces are now pursuing Hamas cells in Tulkarem, but the main focus in Hebron, which many have dubbed "Hamas' city in the West Bank."
The forces have also been briefed on a variety of riot scenarios, and the Palestinian Authority is confidant it will be able to curb any Hamas attempt to revolt. Nevertheless, the PA has expresses concerns that Hamas will try to destabilize the West Bank.
