Yazid Jaya'isa, a prominent leader of the Jenin Brigade, was killed by gunfire from Palestinian Authority security forces during a raid on the city of Jenin. The operation also resulted in the injury of several civilians, including a child in critical condition, as reported by local media.

The Palestinian Authority’s security forces launched an aggressive assault on the Jenin refugee camp, aiming to capture or kill resistance fighters. Confrontations erupted as a large security force encircled the camp, calling in reinforcements and positioning snipers on nearby buildings.

Violent clashes broke out in Jenin camp after Palestinian Authority forces stormed the camp and killed one of the leaders of the Jenin Battalion. pic.twitter.com/D8PneKJXrL

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) December 14, 2024

In a statement to the Palestinian News Agency, Major General Anwar Rajab, the official spokesperson for the Palestinian Security Forces, claimed that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to "maintain security, uphold the rule of law, and eliminate chaos" in Jenin.

He stated that the goal was to reclaim the camp from what he called "lawbreakers" who had disrupted citizens’ daily lives and deprived them of essential services.

Rajab also alleged that the security forces had taken all necessary measures to avoid harming civilians or disrupting daily life in Jenin.

Resistance factions condemn attack

Commenting on these developments, Hamas swiftly condemned the Palestinian Authority’s actions, accusing the security forces of targeting resistance fighters in a manner that aligned with the crimes of the Israeli occupation.

In a statement, Hamas called the attack a "disgraceful" act that deepens internal divisions at a critical moment in the Palestinian struggle.

The movement mourned the death of Jaya'isa, who was killed just days after the martyrdom of 16-year-old Rabhi Shalabi, underscoring the growing tensions within occupied Palestinian territories.

Hamas warned that the ongoing pursuit of resistance fighters would only fuel internal conflict at a time when unity is most needed.

Meanwhile, al-Quds Brigades in the West Bank called for a general strike and mass mobilization, urging Palestinians to protest in solidarity with the Jenin camp, a key resistance stronghold, and to honor the fallen martyrs in Gaza.

The Mujahideen Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement,  also condemned the assault, calling on the Palestinian Authority to halt actions that undermine national values.

They stressed that the PA should be focused on protecting Palestinians from Israeli aggression, not targeting resistance fighters fulfilling a role that the Authority itself has neglected.