Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is expected to convene the Palestinian leadership for an emergency meeting Monday evening in Ramallah following the military operation in Jenin. Palestinian sources say the meeting will examine various response measures in light of what they described as "Israeli aggression."
Palestinian sources told Israel Hayom that "the options of the Palestinian leadership are relatively limited, and despite this, members of Fatah and the PLO will come to the meeting with some ideas that will be presented to Abbas, and he will ultimately decide how to act." The sources noted that the leadership is expected to call for an urgent UN Security Council meeting and demand the intervention of the international community, along with a possible threat that would include "examining the suspension of recognition of Israel."
Destruction in Jenin refugee camp, this morning // Arab networks
Last January, the PA chairman announced the suspension of security coordination with Israel in response to the IDF raid on Jenin. However, some cooperation between the parties was maintained. A senior Palestinian Authority official told Israel Hayom that in light of the escalation on the ground and the anger among the Palestinian public, proposals were made by Fatah and PLO officials to allow Palestinian residents of the West Bank to carry weapons to defend themselves against military raids and settler attacks.
"Our supreme goal is to protect our people. Israel is waging war against the entire Palestinian people and no one can know where it will go. Our people need protection. There are members who think that the mechanisms should protect the people from raids and aggression by the Israeli army and settlers, and we are aware that there is criticism from the public on this matter. Others think that every Palestinian should be allowed the opportunity to defend himself by himself with all means, including by carrying weapons like you have."
A Palestinian looks at smoke rising over Jenin, Photo: AFP
It is unclear at this stage to what extent this proposal will gain a sympathetic ear from the Palestinian leadership, but its leaders are aware of the growing criticism both from the street and from members of Palestinian institutions, who want to take more significant steps against Israel in light of the consequences of the escalation on the ground.
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