The Palestinian Authority faces increasing pressure as Iran-backed terror groups gain popularity.

The PA is facing a growing challenge in Jenin as it launches an ongoing operation against local terror factions supported by Iran, which has resulted in violent clashes and highlighted the deepening rift between the PA and local communities.

The Palestinian Authority is taking steps to prevent Iran from funding militants to purchase weapons, as they know Iran will continue to support Hamas and Islamic Jihad. This is a challenge for the PA, and it is the right time to confront Iran, especially after the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. The public mood is not receptive to any military confrontation with Israel after what happened, according to Mohammad Daraghmeh, Asharq News bureau chief in Ramallah, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

The Biden administration is seeking to provide the PA security forces with critical military assistance, but needs Israel's approval to proceed. The U.S. has historically provided between $200 million and $300 million in annual aid to the PA, with a recent resumption of aid following a freeze during the Trump administration.

"Since October 7th, there has been a significant increase in push from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, with Iranian involvement, according to Dr. Michael Milshtein, head of the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University. He emphasized the shift in the situation since Oct. 7, highlighting the influence of Iranian-backed forces. These forces are trying to push operations in the West Bank and have attempted to manufacture rockets and fire them at Israeli cities from Jenin. Although these efforts are currently unsuccessful, it is a troubling development that indicates how Jenin is becoming a central hub for terrorists."

In Jenin, the killing of Yazid Jaysa, an Islamic Jihad commander, by PA security forces has intensified tensions and led to the third death in the city within a week. The deaths have further fueled discontent among residents, particularly those in the Jenin refugee camp. "The entire refugee camp is now against the PA," said Daraghmeh.

On Sunday, reports emerged that the PA had positioned its troops near the refugee camp, but attempts to enter were met with opposition. The terrorists within the camp, who have pledged to resist the PA's forces, pose a significant threat to the PA's plans to regain control.

""The PA forces are stuck outside and unable to enter the area due to failed attempts. They are unable to leave or continue the operation as dozens of militants are ready to confront them," said Daraghmeh."

According to Milshtein, the former head of Palestinian affairs in Israeli Defense Forces military intelligence, the PA lacks the capacity to maintain control in northern Samaria and the surrounding areas. The PA has lost control over these regions, and for years, Israel has managed Jenin and the surrounding areas as if they were Gaza, without PA control mechanisms. As a result, there is a significant vacuum in these areas.

The PA's operation coincides with the ongoing war in Gaza and the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to Milshtein. He believes that the events in Syria influenced the PA's decision to act, as people in the West Bank saw what happened to Bashar al-Assad and did not want to follow the same fate. Milshtein explains that Mahmoud Abbas likely felt that he needed to act before the PA's authority in the West Bank completely erodes.

The PA's crackdown in the northern West Bank is part of a larger effort to assert its authority and demonstrate its ability to govern Gaza, which it lost to Hamas in 2007. With the region in turmoil, the PA hopes to restore order in the West Bank, which it believes will enhance its legitimacy in any postwar political scenario for Gaza.

"According to Milshtein, there is no chance that the PA will control Gaza because there are two million people living there, and for 17 years, they have been ruled by Hamas. Sixty percent of the population were born after Hamas took control, and they were raised to view the PA as collaborators with Israel and enemies. Therefore, giving the PA two hours in Gaza is a known failure from the beginning."

Despite the violence in Jenin, Daraghmeh believes that the conflict will remain limited to that city.