Palestinian Authority blamed for Shatha al-Sabbagh's death in Jenin

In the occupied West Bank, specifically in Jenin, a significant incident took place just before New Year involving the tragic death of 21-year-old Shatha al-Sabbagh. While she was buying chocolate to celebrate the New Year with her family's children, she was killed, leading her family to blame the Palestinian Authority (PA) for her death. The PA, however, deflected blame onto 'outlaws,' referring to members of the Jenin Battalion, which consists of fighters from armed groups including Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas. These armed groups have gained popular support among locals due to their stance against Israeli military actions and their opposition to the PA's authority. The PA, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has faced growing unpopularity among Palestinians due to its perceived ineffectiveness and security coordination with Israel. This discontent has intensified in light of the PA's recent crackdown on armed groups within Jenin, which locals view as a betrayal. Shatha was known to actively post about the turmoil in her region, sharing images of destruction caused by both PA operations and Israeli raids. Her family's grief highlights the ongoing violence in the area, as many residents have expressed their disdain for the PA's actions. Amidst these tensions, many young men in Jenin have taken to defending their community during Israeli incursions, earning them the label of 'outlaws' in the eyes of the PA. The armed groups’ efforts to increase their influence often clash with the PA's attempts to reassert control and maintain authority in the West Bank. The PA views the presence of such groups as a direct challenge to its governance, prompting a series of aggressive security operations. Analysts suggest that the PA is attempting to showcase its capacities to both local and international audiences, particularly the United States, in response to ongoing geopolitical pressures regarding the future of Gaza and its own authority. As families in Jenin seek answers to the violence and the consequences of the PA's actions, such as Shatha's death, calls for justice and accountability grow louder. Residents like Shatha's mother question the PA's narrative, demanding to know the true circumstances surrounding her daughter's death and the identity of those responsible. The heavy toll of violence in Jenin and the loss experienced by families illustrate the ongoing struggle for power and control in the region, leaving the future uncertain as community sentiments shift towards the favor of the armed groups that stand against both the PA and Israeli forces.