PA’s killing of resistance fighter amid army raid signals its open coordination with Israel
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.
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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.
'Assassinating and killing Palestinian resistance fighters is unacceptable under any circumstances'
- Hassan Khreisheh, Palestinian Legislative Council deputy speaker
“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.
On the legal front, Khreisheh explained that the PA has ignored both legal and moral obligations, choosing instead to send a message that it is still functioning properly despite Israel’s ongoing repression.
“This is incomprehensible, and no one seems to listen,” he added.
Human rights activist Issa Amro called the killings “extrajudicial executions”, an international crime that demands accountability.
However, he noted that the Palestinian courts are politicised and do not hold the PA accountable for human rights violations or extrajudicial killings.
“The lack of accountability and deterrence, especially following the assassination of activist Nizar Banat and the deaths of many Palestinian civilians, has only exacerbated the problem,” Amro told MEE.
He warned that if the situation persists, the number of Palestinian civilian casualties will increase unless the perpetrators are held responsible.
Authority without legitimacy
Political analyst Mohammed al-Qeeq said that the PA lacks the legitimacy to impose security measures against Palestinians, including resistance fighters, due to the ongoing Israeli occupation and its continued aggression in the northern West Bank.
Rather than addressing internal unity and strengthening the Palestinian cause internationally, Qeeq said the PA opts for a security-driven approach against its own people - regardless of its justifications.
"Israel is using the Oslo Accords to strengthen its military and settlements, expanding its borders at the Palestinians' expense. Therefore, the PA lacks both legitimacy and rationale for its actions,” he explained.
“Security coordination has only weakened the Palestinian cause, isolated it, and deepened internal divisions, with no tangible achievements."
Qeeq warned that the PA's actions could harm Palestinian social cohesion and pave the way for a significant Israeli escalation, citing claims that armed cells have an external agenda. This, he said, would further undermine Palestinian rights in the eyes of the world.
He called for urgent dialogue between the PA and Palestinian factions, the announcement of presidential and legislative elections, and the formation of a national consensus government.
"These steps are crucial to stop draining our energy and to lay a strong foundation for improving our relations with the international community,” he told MEE.
“Without them, the PA will lead us to catastrophe."
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