JENIN, (PIC)
Once again, Jenin refugee camp illuminates the path of sacrifice with the blood of its residents in the face of a treacherous Israeli bombardment, amidst a siege imposed by the Palestinian Authority’s security forces that has lasted for 42 days.
Around a fire on Tuesday evening (January 14), a group of camp residents gathered for warmth when Israeli warplanes targeted them with several deadly missiles, resulting in the martyrdom of six individuals. It was soon revealed that four of the martyrs were members of the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas Movement.
Statement by the Qassam Brigades
In a statement, the Qassam Brigades proudly announced the martyrdom of its courageous fighters, sending their condolences to the Palestinian people and the Arab and Islamic nations. Among the martyrs were:
• Commander Baha Ibrahim Abu Al-Hija (33 years old),
• His brothers Mo’men (28 years old) and Amir (27 years old),
• Fighter Ibrahim Mustafa Qaniri (23 years old).
The bombing also claimed the lives of Hussam Hassan Qanouh (32 years old) and Mahmoud Ashraf Gharibeh (15 years old).
It is not surprising that the Abu Al-Hija family has made such sacrifices, as their history is filled with acts of bravery and heroism. This is also true for other families in the camp, who have supported the resistance and sent their sons to lead and defend the cause, always directing their efforts against the occupier.
The siege by the Palestinian Authority
This Israeli assassination operation occurred amidst an ongoing severe siege by Palestinian Authority security forces, which has been marked by widespread attacks over the past 42 days. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of nine citizens, including a journalist.
Residents of the camp agree that the Palestinian Authority’s security campaign serves as a proxy for the Israeli occupation, which has repeatedly invaded the camp but has faced fierce resistance from its defenders. The occupation now appears to be supporting the authority in its mission after realizing its failure to subdue the camp and its fighters.
This persistence by the Palestinian Authority in maintaining its siege and attacks, disregarding the sacrifices and martyrs, has fueled growing anger and tension among the camp’s residents.
Vowing to protect Al-Aqsa and the camp
Crowds in the camp pledged to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Jenin camp, chanting:
“We swear by Almighty God to protect the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, to defend the land of the camp, and to remain true to the martyrs’ covenant. God is our witness.”
Residents of the camp and many Palestinians ridiculed statements made by Anwar Rajab, spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority’s security forces. He claimed that the Israeli bombardment aimed to thwart the Authority’s mission, which many see as a mission to eradicate resistance for the benefit of the occupation.
The Qassam Brigades stated that the failure of the oppressive forces to impose their siege on Jenin for over 40 days is another defeat for the Israeli enemy, which has come to realize that all attempts to extinguish the flame of resistance in the hearts of the Palestinian people have failed.
Redirecting the compass
Political writer and analyst Marwan Al-Aqraa emphasized that the killing of six citizens, including fighters, by the occupation must redirect the compass towards the real enemy. He stressed that the occupation spares no effort to kill Palestinians whenever the opportunity arises, highlighting that Palestinians are targeted everywhere and at all times.
Al-Aqraa pointed out that the Israeli airstrikes on Jenin camp, coupled with the 42-day siege by the Palestinian Authority’s security forces, demonstrate the occupation’s determination to kill, even if there are understandings in place allowing the authority to handle Palestinian resistance.
He urged the Palestinian people to oppose the authority’s siege of the camp, to demand an immediate end to its actions, and to reach a national consensus that Palestinian weapons must not be turned against each other but rather directed at the occupation.
Al-Aqraa also called on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its strategy for dealing with Palestinian resistance and its weapons, especially given emerging U.S.-backed settlement plans. The ultimate goal of the occupation, he stressed, is to eliminate Palestinian presence in the West Bank and ensure a Jewish demographic majority that controls everything.