Dr. Ammar Al-Dweik: The situation in Jenin is dangerous and the unanimously agreed upon “Wifaq” initiative represents a comprehensive solution to get out of the crisis

Firas Yaghi: Adopting a “security resolution” is a misconception, and escalation will deepen the crisis and widen the gap with the street

Dr. Sonia Al-Husseini: Internal clashes in Jenin may be a pretext for the occupation to implement its plans in the West Bank

Dr. Ashraf Al-Ajrami: The expansion of armed manifestations in Jenin turns the Palestinian areas into a circle of permanent Israeli threat

Muhammad Hawash: The authority seeks to control the situation in a manner consistent with its political program and to preserve national gains

Dr. Walaa Qadimat: The events in Jenin are being exploited in a way that does not serve the national interest, and everyone must rise to the occasion

Nihad Abu Ghosh: Any security plan cannot succeed without broad national consensus that includes the local community with all its components

Jenin has been witnessing worrying developments for 18 days that have cast their shadows on the Palestinian scene, amidst a state of increasing tension in the camp and its surroundings, after the clashes that took place between the security forces and young men from Jenin camp.

In separate interviews with “I”, writers, political analysts, former ministers and university professors agree on the seriousness of the events in Jenin and the necessity of agreeing on ways to resolve the crisis and agreeing on a national program to block the Israeli occupation’s plans to target the West Bank.

They stress that the continuation of internal clashes in Jenin represents a threat to the national project, as Israel could exploit this situation to implement its settlement plans and expand its control over the Palestinian territories.

They believe that the only way out of the crisis is to prevail the voice of reason and understanding between the various parties, put aside weapons and launch a comprehensive national dialogue aimed at reducing losses and enhancing stability.

The need to move quickly to defuse tension

The Director General of the Independent Commission for Human Rights (the Board of Grievances), Dr. Ammar Dweik, confirms that the security situation in Jenin camp worries all forces and institutions, pointing out that the state of security alert, which is met with a state of military entrenchment by the camp’s youth, represents a dangerous recipe that may lead to an escalation that is difficult to control.

Al-Duwaik stresses that the continuation of this situation portends a great danger that may take the situation to dangerous levels if no quick action is taken to defuse the tension.

Al-Duwaik explains that an initiative called “Wifaq” was launched after it was prepared by human rights and civil institutions, and was joined by factions, forces and figures. It aims to establish a comprehensive framework for getting out of the current crisis in Jenin, and it is an initiative that represents a comprehensive solution for getting out of the crisis.

He points out that this initiative has received almost unanimous approval from all parties, including civil society institutions, national figures, factions, and political forces, without any reservations being recorded about it. Rather, there are significant positive indicators about it.

Al-Duwaik explains that the initiative is based on several basic axes, starting with the withdrawal of the large Palestinian security forces and snipers from the camp’s vicinity, while maintaining normal police work and law enforcement in the city and camp as usual. In return, the initiative includes stopping all forms of armed action and public appearance with weapons inside Jenin and its camp.

He stressed that the initiative calls for launching a comprehensive national dialogue that brings together the largest possible number of factions and political forces, to discuss the nature and limits of military action in the West Bank under the current circumstances.

Al-Duwaik points out that the initiative stressed that the dialogue must be calm and civilized in order to reach an agreement on the general frameworks for national action and the form of military presence in the camp, in line with the current stage and the challenges facing the Palestinian cause.

According to Al-Duwaik, the initiative includes provisions stipulating respect for Palestinian law by everyone, whether citizens or security forces, with an emphasis on holding accountable any party that violates the law.

Al-Duwaik explains that this accountability includes any attack on property or persons, whether by security forces or citizens, with violators being brought to trial and ensuring justice is achieved.

Al-Duwaik points out that the initiative received positive signals from the official level, but Al-Duwaik stresses that implementation requires continuous follow-up and pressure, in addition to dialogue with the political authorities of the youth inside and outside the camp.

Al-Duwaik stresses that the solution requires national consensus to understand the nature of the camp’s composition, while warning against generalizing individual violations to all camp residents, as this could deepen the crisis and increase tension.

Al-Duwaik stressed that the situation in Jenin requires great calm and wisdom to prevent things from getting out of control, calling on all parties to think deeply and avoid generalizations when dealing with the crisis, stressing that any additional escalation will further complicate the situation and lead to further division within Palestinian society.

Al-Dweik stresses that national consensus and calm dialogue represent the only way out of the current crisis and to ensure stability in Jenin and the camp.

A sad situation that serves the occupation in the first place

Writer and political analyst Firas Yaghi believes that the ongoing siege and armed clashes in Jenin constitute a sad situation that primarily serves the Israeli occupation and increases the suffering of the camp’s residents, who are living in difficult conditions as a result of the repeated incursions by the Israeli army.

Yaghi explains that the continuation of the siege and clashes will not lead to achieving security control, pointing out that the use of force alone will lead to more violent reactions, making the Palestinian people and their leadership the biggest losers.

Yaghi believes that the Palestinian Authority's reliance on "security resolution," as stated by the Palestinian security establishment, is a wrong and dangerous concept, especially since the occupation army itself was unable to achieve its goals through force in Jenin.

Yaghi points out that the escalation resulting from this approach will deepen the crisis and increase the gap between the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority, especially in light of the difficult circumstances that the Palestinians are going through in Gaza and the escalating settler attacks in the West Bank, and in light of the plans to resolve the conflict, especially in the West Bank.

He stressed that dealing with the concept of "security resolution" will lead to further deterioration and escalation, calling for stopping this approach before things get out of control.

Yaghi stresses that what is happening now does not serve the Palestinian cause, but rather increases internal fragmentation and weakens the Palestinian position on the national and international levels, stressing that the solution does not lie in force but in dialogue.

Yaghi points out that previous experiences have proven that solutions begin through direct dialogue with the resistance, in addition to communicating with the leaders of the Palestinian factions.

Yaghi stresses that the key to stopping the internal bleeding, including what is happening in Jenin, is to end the Palestinian division and achieve national unity, which is the safety valve for the Palestinian people and their just cause.

He stresses that continuing to rely on the American position without any practical steps towards a clear political path to achieve the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions constitutes a dangerous risk.

Yaghi explains that this approach will only result in more internal divisions and more Israeli and American demands that will not serve the Palestinian cause in any way.

Yaghi stresses the necessity of having a political path that addresses ending the occupation radically in accordance with international legitimacy, and this will lead, along with internal dialogue, to achieving stability and Palestinian national unity.

The current timing makes the situation more complicated and dangerous.

Political science professor Dr. Sonia Al-Husseini warns of the danger of what is happening in Jenin, noting that the current timing makes the situation more complex and dangerous, in light of regional and international transformations.

Al-Husseini explains that the Israeli occupation is currently focusing on four fronts, three of which (Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria) are facing major internal transformations that could upset the regional balance of power, which puts the fourth front, the West Bank, at stake, and may be the occupation’s next target.

Al-Husseini points out that the Israeli occupation has complete control over the security situation in the West Bank, stressing that the Palestinians are aware of this fact, as no suicide operation passes without the elimination of its perpetrators.

She stresses that this situation could make any internal clashes in Jenin a pretext for the occupation to implement its plans in the West Bank, which poses a threat to the Palestinian national project.

Al-Husseini points out that the settlement plans in the West Bank have reached their peak, supported by the arming and escalating attacks of the settlers, which are carried out under the direct sponsorship and support of the occupation army, amidst the absence of the real Palestinian ability to deter these attacks or stop the settlement, which deepens the danger of the current stage.

Al-Husseini believes that the only solution to avoid escalation in Jenin and the rest of the West Bank is understanding and dialogue between the Palestinians.

Al-Husseini stressed that understanding between the various Palestinian factions at this critical stage is the only way to avoid future deterioration.

It warns that the continuation of differences without finding a means or an entrance to dialogue will contribute to complicating the situation, making the Palestinian factions responsible for the repercussions of the situation in the future.

Al-Husseini calls on all Palestinian parties to prioritize the national interest and find mechanisms for understanding and dialogue to confront the dangers threatening the West Bank and the Palestinian cause as a whole, stressing that the current stage requires unity of ranks and joint action to confront the escalating challenges.

Great damage and real threat to the national fabric

Former Minister of Prisoners, Dr. Ashraf Al-Ajrami, confirms that what is happening in Jenin represents great national harm and a real threat to the national fabric.

Al-Ajrami explains that these developments require immediate treatment through a national dialogue aimed at restoring order and security to the Palestinian territories, and ending the armed manifestations that open the door to exploiting the Israeli occupation to implement its settlement plans in the West Bank.

Al-Ajrami points out that the Gaza experience and the tragedies and major losses it witnessed should be a lesson for the Palestinians, so that this tragedy does not spread to the West Bank.

Al-Ajrami asserts that the expansion of armed manifestations in Jenin turns the Palestinian territories into a circle of permanent Israeli threat, which immediately requires national consensus on how to manage the conflict with the occupation in the West Bank, pointing out that Israel exploits any opportunity to justify its attacks and expand its settlement project, which aims to displace Palestinians from their lands and Judaize them.

He stresses the importance of the Palestinian Authority taking the initiative to conduct a comprehensive dialogue with all factions and armed groups, to ensure the restoration of security and order in the areas under its responsibility.

Al-Ajrami stressed that this dialogue should aim to establish clear mechanisms that guarantee the protection of Palestinians from Israeli invasions and prevent the recurrence of the destructive scenarios witnessed in the Gaza Strip.

Al-Ajrami stresses that Israel is prepared to go further than what happened in Gaza to implement it in the West Bank if the current situation and the presence of armed groups continue, as it exploits the chaos to justify escalating its aggression and implementing its settlement plans.

Al-Ajrami stresses the necessity of national consensus to confront Israeli settlements and aggression, in ways that do not expose Palestinian neighborhoods, villages, cities and camps to destruction under pretexts, excuses and slogans that Israel can exploit for such an act.

Attempts by the authorities to control the security situation

Writer and political analyst Muhammad Hawash asserts that what is happening in Jenin reflects the Palestinian Authority’s attempts to control the security situation in the region and prevent chaos resulting from carrying weapons outside the framework of the official security services.

Hawash explains that the Authority is working to prevent confusion between legitimate resistance work and chaos, even in resistance or resistance outside the national consensus, which may lead to counterproductive results that do not serve the Palestinian cause.

Hawash points out that the Palestinian Authority seeks to control weapons in the West Bank so that they are under the control of the official security services only, in line with its political program that aims to manage the daily lives of Palestinians and reduce the pretexts used by the Israeli occupation to expand settlements and carry out raids under the pretext of fighting those militants.

Hawash asserts that the plurality of parties and factions is permitted within the framework of the Palestinian political system, but it is not possible to permit the plurality of political programs or the existence of more than one weapon outside the control of the Authority, as this leads to the division of Palestinian geography and threatens the national gains achieved over decades of struggle.

Hawash points out that the Gaza experience showed how political miscalculation can lead to disastrous results.

Hawash stresses that the Palestinian National Authority is keen not to repeat this scenario in the West Bank, as allowing the presence of a parallel security or political force opens the way for the Israeli occupation to justify further repression, annexation, and settlement expansion.

He points out that some of the armed groups in Jenin are not all linked to the resistance, and some of them are even outside the law, which harms the idea of national resistance.

Hawash asserts that the Authority cannot allow geographical areas in the West Bank under its jurisdiction according to international agreements to be outside its control, as this represents a major threat to the Palestinian national project and gives the occupation an opportunity to destroy Palestinian gains.

Hawash explains that the Palestinian Authority is adopting a very cautious approach in dealing with the situation in Jenin, as it seeks to avoid major losses among civilians or resistance fighters, even though some armed groups are targeting the Authority itself and seeking to weaken it.

Hawash confirms that the authority is working to regain control in a calm and gradual manner, but at the same time it is prepared to use force if necessary.

Hawash stresses that the Authority seeks to unify Palestinian geography under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian security services, as it believes that the existence of parallel security or political authorities endangers the Palestinian national project.

Hawash asserts that the Authority will not allow the existence of separate "republics" within the West Bank, especially in Areas A and B, which are under its control according to international agreements.

Hawash points out that there are some parties inside and outside the Jenin camp that adopt agendas outside the framework of the Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, which is completely unacceptable because it undermines national unity.

Hawash stresses that the Palestinian Authority is prepared to take all necessary measures, including the use of force, to defend its political vision and preserve the unity of the Palestinian territories.

He stresses that resistance is a legitimate right of the Palestinian people, but it must be within a unified national and political framework, and must not become a tool for dividing the Palestinians or creating geographical areas outside the control of the Authority.

Hawash points out that the Palestinian people themselves have criticised, at various stages, the misuse of weapons, which sometimes led to negative results, reflecting the need for careful planning of the timing and method of resistance work.

Hawash points out that the Authority has the patience and ability to end the abnormal situation in Jenin, whether through dialogue or force if necessary, to ensure the restoration of its full control over all Palestinian territories under its jurisdiction in accordance with international agreements.

Missing the opportunity for anyone trying to distort the image of the Palestinian

The writer and political researcher, Dr. Walaa Qadimat, confirms that the path towards national unity is clear, and the beneficiary of the differences between the Palestinians is also clear. In light of the ongoing war on the Palestinian national project and targeting the foundations of steadfastness, everyone is required to live up to the responsibility.

Qadeemat explains that what is happening in Jenin, as is clear, is being used in a way that does not serve the Palestinian national interest, and the opportunity must be denied to anyone who tries to distort the image of the Palestinian.

Qadeemat stresses that Jenin camp is a symbol of great steadfastness with its loyal and faithful sons to Jerusalem and Palestine, and that the members of the security services are our sons and brothers among the fighters and they are the guardians of the citizen’s security.

Qadeemat stresses that the time is not right for anything but turning towards Palestine, and the sacrifices of our people require all parties, and deserve to miss the opportunity for all those who lie in wait for our struggle.

Qadeemat calls on everyone who is jealous of Palestine and the blood of its sons to push towards laying down weapons and sitting at the negotiating table to reach an end to all the costly manifestations that cost a lot of precious Palestinian blood.

Qadeemat stresses that what is required is to rally around the national interest, and everything that undermines it, at this time that only serves those who are lying in wait for Palestine, its stability and its immunity.

Qadeemat says: “What is happening can be stopped by letting reason prevail, denying the enemies the opportunity, and opening a national dialogue that stops the bloodshed and ensures security and stability.”

Treat wisely without resorting to coercive security solutions

Writer and political analyst Nihad Abu Ghosh warns of the danger of continued escalation in Jenin, pointing out that resolving the crisis depends on the rationality of all parties, including official bodies, civil society, local forces, and resistance youth.

Abu Ghosh explains that the situation in Jenin camp has reached a high degree of complexity and crisis as a result of the baseless accusations launched by some officials in the Palestinian Authority against the resistance youth, describing them as “following foreign agendas” or “outlaws,” accusations denied by civil sources, stressing that such generalizations only serve to deepen the crisis.

Abu Ghosh points out that the manifestations attributed to the resistance youth, such as armed appearance and shooting, can be dealt with wisely without resorting to coercive security solutions.

Abu Ghosh believes that any security plan cannot succeed without a broad national consensus that includes the local community with all its components, including factions, national bodies, institutions, and camp residents.

Abu Ghosh stresses that the coercive security approach that the Palestinian Authority is trying to impose in isolation from the will of the people represents a major mistake, warning that this policy may place the Authority in a position that is not in line with its history of struggle and its national composition.

He stresses that Jenin camp has been subjected to repeated Israeli attempts to eradicate the resistance, and has offered many martyrs in order to preserve the steadfastness of its people. It is still targeted by the occupation, along with other camps in the West Bank, because these camps symbolize a role in the struggle, an identity, and one of the pillars of the refugee issue.

Abu Ghosh stresses that any treatment of the current issue must take into account this history and sacrifices, and be within a framework that places the national interest and constants of the Palestinian people first.

Abu Ghosh stresses that resistance is not a security or military phenomenon that can be eliminated by security measures, but rather it is a natural phenomenon for a people living under occupation.

Abu Ghosh points out that the absence of political solutions to the Palestinian national issue has made the option of resistance a realistic option adopted by many factions within Palestinian society, including the Fatah movement that runs the Palestinian Authority.

He stresses that it was the resistance that gave the Fatah movement its position and leadership role in the Palestinian national project, as the Palestinian Authority came about as a result of long and continuous sacrifices.

Abu Ghosh expressed his fear that the confrontations in Jenin would spread to other governorates in the West Bank, which could transform the Palestinian momentum from confrontation with the occupation into an internal conflict.

Abu Ghosh stresses that the Israeli occupation, not the resistance, is the most prominent party that is undermining the powers of the Palestinian Authority, calling for not being dragged into accusations that only serve the occupation, and instead working to strengthen national unity and avoid turning internal differences into a confrontation that undermines the Palestinian national project.