Tensions Escalate Between Hamas and Palestinian Authority

Tensions between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) intensified on Saturday after both parties exchanged accusations in official statements. Hamas accused the PA of attempting to assassinate its members, while the PA responded by declaring it would not allow Hamas to extend its influence in the West Bank.

Hamas leader Abdul Rahman Shadid condemned the PA for allegedly attempting to "assassinate" Hamas members in the West Bank, particularly citing an incident in Tulkarm Governorate, where PA security forces reportedly fired at a Hamas vehicle. Shadid emphasized that the PA's actions, including the killing of Palestinians in Jenin, demonstrate a willingness to shed Palestinian blood.

In turn, the Fatah-controlled PA, which governs the West Bank, issued a statement accusing Hamas of jeopardizing the Palestinian cause by aligning with Iran and causing destruction in Gaza. The PA further condemned Hamas for its actions during the October 7 attacks on Israel and for endangering Palestinian civilians by using them as human shields in Gaza. The PA also warned against Hamas's attempts to replicate its activities in the West Bank, stressing the group's destructive impact.

Meanwhile, the PA's security forces continue their crackdown on Hamas fighters and criminal gangs, particularly in Jenin, which has led to criticism from both Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). These groups accuse the PA of persecuting fighters and violating the sanctity of Palestinian lives.

Meanwhile, Israeli security forces conducted operations in the West Bank over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of four terrorists. In the Jordan Valley, two terrorists were killed by an Israeli Air Force aircraft, while additional operations led to the arrest of nine suspects and the confiscation of weapons. Overall, dozens of suspects were detained, and two terrorists were killed during close combat. The military continues to pursue the two terrorists responsible for a recent shooting attack near Kedumim, which killed three people: Rachel Cohen, Aliza Reiss, and Israel Police St.-Sgt.-Maj. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein.