Emulating Hamas: Militancy Rises in West Bank Refugee Camps

In the midst of ongoing conflict and tension in the West Bank, Palestinian fighters in refugee camps are seeking to emulate the tactics and resilience displayed by Hamas in Gaza. Steven Erlanger's report from the northern West Bank, particularly from refugee camps in Tulkarm and Jenin, sheds light on the growing militancy and shifting allegiances in the region. The scenes in these refugee camps are haunting, with alleys draped in black nylon tarpaulins to shield fighters from Israeli surveillance overhead. The presence of green Hamas flags and banners honoring fallen "martyrs" serves as a stark reminder of the relentless struggles faced by Palestinians in the face of Israeli raids and airstrikes aimed at quelling the rising militancy in the area. What is particularly striking is that these developments are unfolding in territories traditionally associated with the more moderate Palestinian faction of Fatah. The emergence of young militants like Muhammad Jaber, who have transitioned from Fatah to more radical groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, underscores a shift towards a more confrontational approach in the West Bank. The recent conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas-led attacks on Israel, has left a profound impact on these fighters in the northern West Bank. For Muhammad Jaber and his comrades, the lessons learned from Gaza resonate deeply – a call for patience, strength, and courage in the face of adversity. The root causes of militancy in these refugee camps predate the recent conflict, with longstanding grievances against Israeli settlement expansion and the failure of the peace process to deliver Palestinian statehood fueling resentment and resistance. Hamas's call to arms following the events of Oct. 7 has resonated with many in these camps, fueling a renewed sense of defiance against Israeli occupation. The aspirations of militants like Muhammad Jaber extend beyond mere resistance – they seek to reclaim control of the West Bank from Israeli occupation and, in alignment with Hamas's vision, strive for the liberation of the entire region from Israeli presence. As tensions escalate and allegiances shift in the West Bank, the echoes of Gaza's struggle reverberate through the narrow alleyways of Tulkarm and Jenin. The resolve of these Palestinian fighters to emulate the resilience of Hamas serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for liberation and self-determination in the face of adversity.