A severe escalation in Israeli attacks on the occupied West Bank has left the Palestinian Authority (PA) weakened and in a state of flux, according to analysts. The latest wave of violence, which began earlier this week, has seen the Israeli army launch its largest operation in the territory in decades, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.
In the northern West Bank cities of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas, Israeli drones and snipers have killed at least 17 Palestinians, with many more injured. The attacks have also seen military bulldozers plough into critical infrastructure, cutting off communications and resources from several Palestinian cities and refugee camps.
The latest escalation is part of a broader Israeli offensive, marked by almost daily arrests and killings, in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since the war on Gaza began in October 2023. The PA, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has been largely unable to counter the Israeli raids, despite frequent condemnations.
“This is a clear example of Israel’s disregard for Palestinian lives and its determination to undermine the Palestinian Authority,” said Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestinian official. “The international community must take immediate action to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to protect the Palestinian people.”
The Israeli military has claimed that the operation is aimed at targeting Palestinian militants and preventing attacks on Israeli civilians. However, human rights groups have accused Israel of using excessive force and targeting civilians indiscriminately.
“The Israeli military’s actions in the West Bank are a clear example of collective punishment, which is a war crime under international law,” said a spokesperson for the Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq. “The international community must take action to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to protect the Palestinian people.”
The PA has been facing significant challenges in recent months, including a severe economic crisis and a decline in international support. The latest escalation in Israeli attacks has only added to the PA’s woes, with many Palestinians questioning its ability to protect them from Israeli aggression.
“The PA is in a state of crisis,” said Dr. Khalil Shikaki, a Palestinian analyst. “The Israeli escalation has exposed the PA’s weakness and its inability to counter Israeli aggression. This is a major challenge for the PA and its leadership.”
The international community has been criticized for its response to the crisis, with many accusing it of failing to take decisive action to protect the Palestinian people. The United Nations has called for restraint and calm, but has stopped short of condemning Israel’s actions.
“The international community must take a stronger stance against Israel’s aggression,” said Dr. Ashrawi. “The Palestinian people are facing a severe crisis, and it is the responsibility of the international community to protect them.”
As the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate, many Palestinians are calling for a new approach to dealing with Israel. Some have called for the PA to dissolve and for a new leadership to emerge, while others have advocated for a return to armed resistance.
“The PA has failed to protect us,” said a Palestinian activist, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s time for a new approach, one that prioritizes the protection of the Palestinian people and the defense of our rights.”
The Israeli escalation in the West Bank has also raised concerns about the future of the two-state solution, which has been the basis of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations for decades. Many analysts believe that the Israeli actions are aimed at undermining the PA and the two-state solution, and paving the way for a one-state reality.
“The Israeli escalation is a clear attempt to undermine the PA and the two-state solution,” said Dr. Shikaki. “The international community must take action to protect the Palestinian people and to preserve the two-state solution.”
As the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate, the Palestinian people are facing a severe crisis. The PA is weakened, and the international community is being called upon to take action to protect the Palestinian people and to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
