'Shedding Palestinian blood': Hamas says Palestinian Authority killed 19 'martyrs'

JANUARY 10, 2025 15:36

Updated: JANUARY 10, 2025 17:24

MEMBERS OF the Palestinian security forces show a presence in Jenin in the West Bank, earlier this month. Airstrikes by the Israel Air Force on Palestinian-controlled areas, including Jenin, are a significant escalation in Israeli defense, says the writer. (photo credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90) — MEMBERS OF the Palestinian security forces show a presence in Jenin in the West Bank, earlier this month. Airstrikes by the Israel Air Force on Palestinian-controlled areas, including Jenin, are a significant escalation in Israeli defense, says the writer.

(photo credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)

The terror organization's statement comes amid the PA security force's campaign against Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists in Jenin.

Hamas on Friday accused the Palestinian Authority of "shedding Palestinian blood" and claimed that it was responsible for the deaths of 19 Palestinian "martyrs" since the initiation of the "Battle of the Flood of Al-Aqsa," the Hamas name for the October 7, 2023 attacks on southern Israel.

Calling for Palestinians in the West Bank to "intervene immediately," Hamas demanded they "exert maximum pressure to prevent the commission of more crimes and violations against the Palestinian people and their valiant resistance, and to make every effort to lift the siege imposed on Jenin camp for the second month in a row."

The terror organization's statement comes amid the PA security force's campaign against Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists in Jenin.

The future of Gaza

The conflict has also arisen since regional powers, such as the United Arab Emirates, began pushing for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take over the Gaza Strip - where Hamas have ruled since 2005.

The UAE has called for a new prime minister to lead the Palestinian Authority, which Emirati officials frequently criticized as corrupt and inept during the closed-door talks, the diplomats and officials said, without providing specifics.

Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinian Ribhi Shalabi, who was killed in clashes with Palestinian Authority forces, in Jenin camp in the West Bank, December 10, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/RANEEN SAWAFTA)

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, who took office in March, has pledged to implement reforms within the PA.

PA finances have been in disarray for years as donor states have cut back funding until corruption and waste are tackled.

Emirati officials have mentioned former prime minister Salam Fayyad, a US-educated former World Bank official, as the type of person who would be credible to lead a revamped Palestinian Authority, according to the diplomats and officials.