Palestinian authority reaches deal with Jenin battalion, ending standoff in West Bank

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has successfully reached an agreement with the Jenin Battalion, effectively ending a six-week standoff in the northern West Bank city and adjacent refugee camp.

The Jenin Battalion, made up of operatives linked to groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, had been the target of the PA's recent military operations, Caliber.Az reports citing Israeli media.

These actions were partly aimed at demonstrating to incoming US President Donald Trump that the PA can maintain control over the West Bank, especially as it seeks to regain influence in Gaza after the recent conflict there.

The truce, confirmed on Friday evening, followed resumed negotiations after a brief disruption earlier in the week, attributed to Israel's resumption of airstrikes on Jenin. According to the agreement, specific members of the Jenin Battalion are required to hand over their weapons, and the PA is granted free rein to operate in the refugee camp. PA vehicles were seen entering the camp with bomb disposal units to neutralize explosives planted by the Battalion.

Amidst the operation, Palestinian media reported that dozens gathered to show support for armed groups as PA forces entered the camp. Ramallah has accused Iran of funding and arming the Jenin Battalion, a claim that adds to tensions in the region.

According to Arabic media, the PA's operation in Jenin has resulted in 15 Palestinian deaths, including six PA security personnel, eight civilians, and one suspected militant. Critics of the PA argue that the operation serves Israeli interests, with the PA even shutting down Al Jazeera's West Bank offices for allegedly interfering in Palestinian affairs.

The IDF had been bolstering the PA’s efforts against the Jenin Battalion, but recent airstrikes on Jenin have complicated the situation, leading to a breakdown in negotiations. These strikes killed at least 12 people, including civilians, and have fueled suspicions that far-right elements in Israel sought to derail the truce.

By Vafa Guliyeva