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Violence Escalates in Jenin Refugee Camp as Palestinian Authority Clashes with Militants
For over a week, the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank has been engulfed in violence, as clashes between Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces and militant groups aligned with Hamas escalate. Heavy gunfire and explosions have echoed through the camp, home to around 25,000 people, highlighting deep divisions within Palestinian society.
The PA, backed by Western allies, launched its largest security operation in years, aiming to dislodge militants entrenched in the camp. These groups, including the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Qassem Brigades, collectively operate under the banner of the Jenin Battalion and accuse the PA of colluding with Israel.
Mounting Tensions and Rising Casualties
The PA has described the operation as targeting “outlaws” threatening the camp’s stability, but progress has been limited. Militants retain control of much of the camp, and the confrontation has led to mounting casualties. A member of the Presidential Guard and a police sergeant were killed in recent days, while militant gunfire has also claimed lives, including three teenagers.
Amid the fighting, residents face dire conditions. Many have been left without water or electricity, and children are unable to attend school. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has suspended services, condemning the occupation of its health center by armed factions.
Polarized Opinions and Desperate Conditions
The violence has deepened divisions among Palestinians. Some residents, like 27-year-old fighter Assad Aqel, argue that the PA’s operations are worsening their plight. “The PA is not protecting us from the Israeli military,” Aqel said, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the camp.
Others, including local resident Ihab Sa’adi, have called for renewed dialogue between the PA and militants. However, efforts by the PA to negotiate have reportedly been rebuffed.
Mahmoud al-Ghoul, a camp resident, described life as “paralyzed,” citing allegations that security forces had targeted water tanks during the operation. His neighbor, Ahmad Tubasi, said his children were traumatized, having been confined indoors for weeks.
Broader Implications for Palestinian Governance
The Jenin operation is seen as a critical test for the PA, which administers parts of the West Bank under the Oslo Accords. Success in Jenin is viewed as a potential precursor to broader governance ambitions, including a return to Gaza.
Militant leaders, however, remain defiant. Qais al-Sa’adi, a commander within the camp, told CNN, “Urban warfare is our expertise, and it’s a game-changer.” Al-Sa’adi also acknowledged receiving support from Iran, a growing concern for both the PA and Israel.
The situation remains volatile, with little resolution in sight. For now, Jenin’s refugee camp stands as a flashpoint in the broader struggle over Palestinian governance, resistance, and the enduring impact of the Israeli occupation.
News
Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role
European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.
A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations
The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”
Who Is Part of the Coalition?
The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.
However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.
Key Objectives of the Coalition
The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:
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Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
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Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.
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Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement
While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.
Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.
Next Steps
The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.
With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.
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