Watchdog reveals: Palestinian Authority Security Forces responsible for numerous recent attacks on Israelis
JERUSALEM: Palestinian Authority Security Forces Engage in Attacks on Israelis, Reveals Watchdog Group
In a shocking revelation, the nonprofit watchdog organization Palestinian Media Watch has documented at least 55 attacks carried out by off-duty Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces against Israeli soldiers or civilians since 2020. These attacks, which have been eulogized by the PA and its ruling Fatah party, expose the extent to which the internationally recognized Palestinian government encourages and rewards terrorism against Israel, even within its own ranks.
The findings have significant implications for the Biden administration’s proposal to allow a “revitalized” PA to govern Gaza following Israel’s recent war against Hamas. Itamar Marcus, the director of Palestinian Media Watch, has sent a report titled “Terrorists in Uniform: A study of PA Security Forces involvement in terror” to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the administration to reconsider its support for the PA security services.
Marcus argues that empowering these terror forces to rule Gaza is inconceivable, as they are a fundamental part of the problem rather than the solution. He goes further by calling on the Biden administration to reverse its reinstatement of $45 million in annual funding to the PA security services, citing the recent freezing of donations to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency due to staff involvement in attacks.
PA Security Forces: A Threat Within
The PA’s complicity in terrorism goes beyond its security forces. The organization actively promotes violence against Israel through education and financial rewards for terrorists. Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, a former director general of Israel’s Ministry of Strategic Affairs, highlights the PA’s “pay for slay” program, which guarantees salaries for imprisoned Security Forces members and financial support for their families if they are killed.
Fatah, the ruling party, has even published posters honoring members of the PA security forces who died after carrying out attacks on Israelis. The PA and Fatah proudly publicize these acts of terror, considering them heroic contributions to the fight against Israel.
A Growing Threat
The scale of the threat posed by PA security forces remains uncertain, as the Israeli government and Prison Service decline to comment. However, attempted terrorist attacks in the West Bank have significantly increased since October 7, with over 700 foiled by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF is prepared for any scenario, training extensively to ensure they are not caught off guard.
While the PA Security Forces may pose a relatively minor threat in terms of counterterrorism efforts, their promotion of violence and terrorism against Israel remains a significant concern. The Biden administration must carefully reconsider its support for the PA and its security services, taking into account the evidence of their involvement in attacks on Israelis.
How can the international community hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for its role in inciting and rewarding terrorism, and what steps should be taken to address the deeply ingrained culture of violence within the Palestinian political establishment
Za could potentially lead to a dangerous escalation of violence and further undermine any prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He points out that the PA’s glorification of these attacks creates a culture of hatred and incitement, effectively legitimizing the use of violence as a means of achieving political objectives.
The examples provided by Palestinian Media Watch demonstrate the brazenness of these attacks. In one incident, an off-duty PA security officer stabbed an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint, while in another, a group of off-duty PA police officers opened fire on an Israeli vehicle, injuring the driver. These are not isolated incidents but rather part of a pattern of violence that has been consistently celebrated by the Palestinian leadership.
It is worth noting that these attacks are not carried out by rogue elements within the security forces but rather by individuals who are part of the PA’s official ranks. This raises serious questions about the level of control and oversight within the PA security apparatus and the extent to which these individuals are acting upon official orders.
The implications of these revelations are twofold. Firstly, they demonstrate the urgent need for the international community to scrutinize its support for the PA and hold it accountable for its role in inciting and rewarding terrorism. Secondly, they underscore the importance of ensuring that any future peace negotiations take into account the deeply ingrained culture of violence within the Palestinian political establishment.
This issue is particularly relevant in light of the Biden administration’s push for a revitalized PA to govern Gaza. While the stated goal may be to promote stability and development in the region, the reality is that empowering an entity that openly celebrates terrorism creates a fertile ground for further violence and unrest. It is essential for the Biden administration to reassess its approach and consider the potential consequences of its support for the PA security forces.
In conclusion, the documented attacks carried out by off-duty PA security forces against Israelis serve as a stark reminder of the Palestinian leadership’s continued support for and glorification of terrorism. They expose the PA’s complicity in encouraging violence and undermine the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community, and particularly the Biden administration, must reevaluate its support for the PA security services and prioritize the promotion of peace and stability in the region.
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