Palestinian Authority accuses Israel of drug trafficking among youth
- The Palestinian Authority has long maintained that Israel is working to weaken Palestinian society by spreading drugs among youth.
- Recent statements from PA officials describe efforts by Israel to introduce harmful substances disguised in humanitarian aid.
- These claims reflect the PA’s strategy of deflecting responsibility for societal issues onto Israel.
In an ongoing campaign, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has promoted the narrative that Israel is deliberately spreading drugs among Palestinian youth, framing this as a tactic to weaken the societal fabric and resilience of Palestinian individuals. On July 17, 2025, Hussam Abu Hamda, the PA district governor of Qalqilya, stated that the Israeli occupation is actively working to spread a 'dangerous scourge' of drugs to harm the Palestinian society. He described the alleged actions of Israel as part of an attack targeting the values and potential of every Palestinian. On June 26, 2025, official channels, including PA TV, reiterated these claims. The PA Police's Anti-Narcotic Administration deputy head, Wisam Al-Bahri, echoed this assertion, identifying the threat posed by drugs as a primary challenge. Moreover, a PA TV reporter from Gaza made claims suggesting that Israel facilitates drug trafficking by smuggling prohibited substances in humanitarian aid sacks containing flour. This ongoing narrative is part of a broader strategy by the PA to deflect blame for societal issues onto Israel. The PA has an established policy of avoiding direct references to Israel, labeling it merely as 'the occupation.' This linguistic choice reinforces their position of non-recognition while demonizing Israeli actions in the context of social and youth issues. The repeated accusations and the context of these claims indicate a continuation of tension between the two entities, directing public discourse away from internal governance issues within Palestinian society. These false portrayals of Israel's activities serve to strengthen existing narratives of victimhood while shifting focus away from addressing the complex issues faced by Palestinian youth, including addiction and social resilience. By accusing Israel of malicious intent regarding drug trafficking, the PA positions itself as a protector of Palestinian youth, diverting attention from its own challenges in addressing drug problems and enforcing law and order in Palestine.