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Anarchy Returns to the West Bank

(Gatestone Institute) Khaled Abu Toameh - Palestinians fear that their communities may be facing a return to anarchy. Recent incidents in refugee camps such as Balata (near Nablus), Kalandia (near Ramallah), and Jenin are an indication of mounting tensions among rival camps inside Fatah and between camp residents and Palestinians living in the big cities surrounding the camps. These camps, which are hotbeds for gunmen and terror groups, have long been off-limits to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces. Attempts by Palestinian security forces to arrest camp residents wanted for various crimes have often resulted in armed confrontations. A quick chat with young Palestinians, including Fatah members, in any refugee camp in the West Bank will reveal that the PA seems as much the enemy as Israel. They speak of the PA as a corrupt and incompetent body that is managed by "mafia leaders." Many activists believe it is only a matter of time before Palestinians launch an intifada against the PA. Hassan Abu Ayyash, a Fatah activist from the Al-Amari camp near Ramallah, said the PA leadership is "getting hundreds of millions of dollars from the international community and distributing them among themselves and their sons. Look at all the big buildings and fancy restaurants and bars in Ramallah. Where do they get all the money to purchase expensive cars?"
2016-06-17 00:00:00
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