Conflict Alerts # 595, 2 March 2023
Mohaimeen Khan In the news
On 22 February, multiple clashes broke out following an attack on Nablus by Israeli troops targeting two wanted Palestinian fighters; at least 11 other Palestinians were killed and 102 wounded in the raid.
Previously, on 20 February, following an agreement with the US, the Palestinian Authority withdrew a UNSC draft resolution against the unlawful Israeli settlements. The PA's decision drew criticism from the opposition and Hamas.
On 23 February, after numerous rocket attacks by Palestinian rebels amid tensions over the Nablus raid, Israel targeted the Al-Shati refugee camp in the Gaza Strip; the camp was suspected to have factories producing weapons for Hamas. A Hamas spokesperson warned: “The resistance in Gaza is observing the enemy’s escalating crimes against our people in the occupied West Bank." He added: “Patience is running out.”
On 24 February, the Nablus-based Lions’ Den armed group called for protests throughout Palestine leading to clashes with Israeli soldiers in various parts of the West Bank.
On 26 February, Jordan hosted Israel and Palestinian officials, to avert “a security breakdown that could fuel more violence.” A joint statement said that Israel had agreed to stop “discussing setting up any new settlement units for four months and stop approving any new settlements for six months.” On the same day, two Israelis were shot dead by a Palestinian gunman; following this, Israeli settlers set fire to homes in Palestinian towns.
As of February, at least 390 Palestinians had suffered injuries and Palestinian officials claim that at least 300 attacks were carried out by the Israeli settlers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank will resume just after Jordan hosted the meeting between the Israeli and Palestinian officials.
On 1 March, Israeli Finance Minister and in charge of civil administration in the occupied West Bank Bezalel Smotrich said: “I think the village of Huwara needs to be wiped out. I think the state of Israel should do it.”
Issues at large
First, the return of violence. The Nablus raid has been the deadliest Israeli operation in the West Bank since the second intifada of 2000-2005. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, after 2000, the West Bank witnessed the "bloodiest" start of a year in 2023. The Ministry said: "In the past 22 years, we have not recorded this number of martyrs, in the first two months of a year.” For the past six years, attacks by Israeli settlers have steadily increased. The casualties of January and February surpassed that of any comparable period in 2022 and includes 67 Palestinians, and 11 Israelis.
Second, the growth of organised Palestinian armed resistance. Israel has focused its brutal assaults on Nablus and Jenin in 2022. Simultaneously, armed opposition is increasing in these cities. Despite the spread of armed resistance in other parts of the West Bank, the Lions’ Den and the Jenin Brigade remain the “epicentre” of Palestinian armed resistance. These are a new generation of Palestinian fighters who disobey traditional armed groups. They target Israeli checkpoints and attack during Israeli operations. The decline in support for the PA, is one of the key drivers behind the emergence of new armed groups in the West Bank.
Third, the return of Netanyahu. The violence broke out in less than two months since Netanyahu's conservative government came to power; the coalition includes ultra-nationalist parties supporting the brutality carried out by the Israeli settlers. Meanwhile, amidst the violent clashes, Netanyahu said: “I ask – even when the blood is boiling – not to take law into one’s hands,” and asked the security forces “to carry out their work.” Netanyahu’s new governing coalition has been acting unilaterally announcing significant illegal settlement construction projects, increasing demolition of Palestinian homes, and enacting harsh measures against Palestinian prisoners, raising the possibility of a volatile situation developing on the ground.
In perspective
First, ongoing conflict with no end in sight. Palestinians view the continuous Israeli settlement building on land they claim for a future state as the main reason behind their protracted war with Israel. Palestinians claim the attacks are a retaliation to Israel’s actions and its significantly stronger military. Israel claims its continuing “break the wave” operation in the West Bank targets militant groups and prevents them from carrying out strikes. However, the operations occur in populated refugee camps and other urban areas, where they encounter armed resistance and violent clashes.
Second, a cause of worry for the Israeli government. The rise of Palestinian armed resistance is a major challenge for the Israeli government, because the fighters confront and resist the raids. These organisations are better at defensive operations. For the Israelis, the spread of this phenomenon is dangerous. Armed resistance has spread from Jenin to Nablus and is currently taking place in areas close to Ramallah signalling a changing situation in the West Bank.