PA launches security crackdown in Jenin
Hundreds of Palestinian security officers arresting wanted individuals in, around West Bank city; raid home of Jihadist leader Bassam Saadi
The operation began on Wednesday, when hundreds of security forces entered the city. During the operation, forces raided the homes of suspects, some of whom are also wanted by the IDF. Among others, they raided the home of Bassam Saadi, from the leaders of the Islamic Jihad in the West Bank, who served time in an Israeli prison and was released a few months ago.
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In August this year an IDF force entered the refugee camp in an attempt to arrest Saadi but he wasn't at his house. On that occasion, a Palestinian died by IDF fire during clashes that erupted at the location. It remains unclear whether Saadi has been captured yet.
Palestinian forces arriving at Jenin (Photo: AP)
Photo: AP
Photo: AP
During the Palestinian security forces' activity, shots were fired, and a makeshift explosive device was thrown at the forces. No one was hurt and no damage was registered. Jenin Governor Talal Dweikat said forces carried out various security activities in various areas in the district, including villages in the area, and arrested wanted individuals.
He did not give details as to the number of people arrested, but said the operation was meant to bring quiet and safety to the residents. Hamas published a condemnation of the operation and said it is following events apprehensively.
Members of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, as well as former Tanzim men are operating in the refugee camp in Jenin and are undemining stability in the city. The Palestinian Authority security forces rarely enter refugee camps for fear of causing violent clashes.
Other refugee camps considered problematic are Balata, near Nablus, and Qalandiya, north of Jerusalem. It seems that the multiple arrests the IDF has made in recent months in the regufee camps were also meant to send a message to the Palestinian Authority's security forces—if they won't act in the camps, Israel will, which is why the Authority has an interest to enter the camps and enforce order.
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