The operation, which drew widespread condemnation, also left several civilians injured, including a child in critical condition, according to local reports.
The assault, described as one of the most aggressive in recent months, involved PA forces encircling the camp, deploying snipers, and calling in reinforcements. The raid aimed to capture or neutralize resistance fighters within the camp, a key hub for Palestinian armed groups.
Major General Anwar Rajab, spokesperson for the Palestinian Security Forces, justified the operation, stating it was part of efforts to “maintain security, uphold the rule of law, and eliminate chaos” in Jenin. He claimed the actions targeted "lawbreakers" who disrupted daily life and denied essential services to residents. Rajab also insisted that all necessary measures were taken to minimize harm to civilians.
Hamas swiftly condemned the raid, calling it a "disgraceful" attack that serves the interests of the Israeli occupation. The group mourned the death of Jaya'isa and highlighted the recent killing of 16-year-old Rabhi Shalabi, accusing the PA of deepening internal divisions amid the broader Palestinian struggle.
Hamas warned that continued actions against resistance fighters would exacerbate internal conflict at a time when unity is critical for confronting Israeli aggression.
The al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, called for a general strike and mass protests to honor the martyrs and show solidarity with the Jenin camp. Similarly, the Mujahideen Brigades condemned the raid, urging the PA to focus on protecting Palestinians from Israeli aggression rather than targeting resistance fighters.
The raid underscores growing tensions within the occupied Palestinian territories, with resistance groups and the PA increasingly at odds over the handling of Israeli occupation forces and internal security. As protests are expected to erupt across the West Bank, calls for unity among Palestinians are growing louder. (ILKHA)