Fears of Rising Violence in the West Bank Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict

For months, there has been rising concern among foreign governments that there’s a surge in violence in the West Bank, designated by Palestinians as the core of their would-be state which has long been under Israeli occupation and Palestinian Authority (Pa) control. Recently, the escalating violence has sparked fears of a potential intifada due to increasing brutality against Palestinians by Israeli settlers in the region.

Hamas has added a new dimension to the situation by targeting Israel with an attack on Gaza while expressing intentions to inspire an uprising across the West Bank. This has upped the tensions in the region, with the recent call from Israel’s government for around 1.1 million Gazans to flee to Gaza’s southern half, indicating a potential military invasion. This has raised the possibility of further unrest in the West Bank.

In the wake of Hamas’s attack, celebrations have erupted in West Bank cities and there’s widespread sympathy for Gazan Palestinians, which has intensified the situation. The bloodshed is nothing like the extreme violence in Gaza, however, the death toll is alarming even by the West Bank’s standards.

The main concern now is how West Bank Palestinians might respond to the ongoing violence in Gaza, Israel’s airstrikes, and potential ground attack. Many West Bank Palestinians support Hamas and relate to the plight of their Gazan counterparts. Additionally, new militant groups in the region have shown support for the Hamas attack, posing a threat to a potential uprising in the West Bank.

Despite the simmering tensions and unrest, the Palestinian Authority is desperate to avoid a third intifada, as it would undermine its existence and co-operation with Israel. The PA fears losing credibility with the Palestinian population if it condemns Hamas’s actions which are viewed as resistance to Israeli occupation.

The PA was already in crisis, battling donor fatigue and financial problems, further intensified by the recent Gaza conflict, which has prompted the European Commission to consider reviewing its aid to the Palestinians. Failure to secure international support could lead to the PA’s collapse and chaos in the West Bank.

Thus, the PA is in a precarious situation and faces a difficult decision. It has to choose between staying neutral, potentially losing foreign support, or firmly condemning Hamas and risking the wrath of the Palestinian population. The PA is currently navigating these complex challenges, hoping to survive the ongoing turmoil.