PA’s killing of resistance fighter amid army raid signals its open coordination with Israel
A Palestinian Authority security officer watches from inside an armoured vehicle as forces deploy in the Jenin camp for Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank on 18 January 2025
Middle East Eye reports on 12 March 2025:
The killing of a resistance fighter by the Palestinian Authority (PA) has sparked widespread outrage, particularly as it occurred amid Israel’s ongoing military assault on the occupied West Bank.
Abdul Rahman Abu al-Muna, a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement’s armed wing and wanted by Israel, was shot and abducted by Palestinian security forces at the al-Naseem roundabout in Jenin on Monday. His death was later confirmed after he was taken to a hospital.
Palestinian security spokesperson Anwar Rajab stated that security forces were fulfilling their duty to maintain order when they engaged Abu al-Muna, describing him as an “outlaw” who had previously fired on security service headquarters.
Rajab claimed that Abu al-Muna initiated the shooting, prompting security forces to respond in accordance with engagement protocols, which led to his injury and subsequent death.
Hamas condemned the killing, calling it a dangerous escalation and accusing the PA of targeting its people and resistance. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement also condemned the killing, calling it a “heinous crime” and a “dangerous escalation” in the policy of shedding Palestinian blood.
Meanwhile, the Committee of Families of Political Detainees in the West Bank criticised the PA’s approach, accusing it of repressing resistance fighters and undermining Palestinian unity amid the ongoing Israeli aggression.
Openly coordinating with Israel
The killing marked another red line crossed by the PA in its violent crackdown on the Palestinian resistance in the West Bank, analysts say.
While the PA has previously coordinated intelligence and raids with Israel, they were often conducted secretly. In its latest crackdown in Jenin, the PA has killed several Palestinian civilians and resistance fighters. However, this is the first time a fighter has been killed amid a parallel Israeli raid on the city.
Observers say this is among the worst periods in Palestinian history, with the PA openly collaborating with Israel in the pursuit, killing and arrest of resistance fighters.
“If the PA does not want to fight, it should at least remain neutral,” Hassan Khreisheh, the deputy speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, told Middle East Eye. “However, if it resorts to assassinating and killing Palestinian resistance fighters, this is unacceptable under any circumstances.”
Khreisheh raised concerns over the role of the PA, questioning whether it is confronting its own people or aligning with the Israeli occupation. He argued that neither of these approaches aligns with its responsibilities.