- Mofid Abdel Kader Mashaal, the brother of former Hamas political wing chairman Khaled Mashaal, was unexpectedly released from a U.S. prison
Ramallah (Agencies): The Palestinian Authority (PA) has backstabbed Resistance movement by Launching a large-scale security operation dubbed “Protectors of Homeland” in the West Bank, with the stated goal of curbing sedition and restoring order in areas plagued by unrest. The operation has seen PA security forces conducting extensive raids in key West Bank cities, including Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarem, and Jericho.
One of the most notable developments occurred in Jenin, where the operation resulted in the killing of Yazid Ja’ayseh, a commander in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Jenin Brigades. Ja’ayseh, who was reportedly wanted by both the Palestinian Authority and Israel, was a significant figure in the local resistance. His death has drawn sharp criticism from various Palestinian factions, including Hamas, which condemned the PA’s actions as being in alignment with Israeli aggression.
The “Protectors of Homeland” initiative is seen as part of the Palestinian Authority’s broader strategy to assert control over the West Bank and combat what it describes as lawlessness and armed resistance groups. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa defended the operation, emphasizing the need for stability and asserting that West Bank residents deserve to live in peace and security.
Criticism of the operation has come from resistance factions and rights groups, who argue that the PA’s actions undermine Palestinian unity and echo tactics used by Israeli security forces. Human rights organizations have also raised concerns about the potential for human rights abuses during the crackdown.
- Unexpected Release of Khaled Mashaal’s Brother
In a separate but related development, Mofid Abdel Kader Mashaal, the brother of former Hamas political wing chairman Khaled Mashaal, was unexpectedly released from a U.S. prison. Mofid Mashaal had been serving a 20-year sentence for his involvement in financing Hamas through the Holy Land Foundation, a U.S.-based charity accused of funneling funds to the group.
Arab media outlets widely reported his release, though the U.S. government has not officially confirmed it. Reports indicate that Mofid Mashaal served 16 of his 20-year sentence and will now spend a year in a rehabilitation facility. The timing of his release has sparked speculation, particularly as discussions on a potential prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel remain ongoing.
- Regional and International Reactions
The PA’s “Protectors of Homeland” operation and the sudden release of Mofid Mashaal have both drawn intense regional and international attention. Observers are closely monitoring the impact of the PA’s actions on intra-Palestinian relations, as well as the potential geopolitical implications of Mashaal’s release.
The “Protectors of Homeland” operation is seen by some as a move by the PA to reassert its authority in areas where armed resistance groups have gained influence. However, it remains to be seen how effective this campaign will be in achieving its stated objectives and how it will affect the already fragile internal Palestinian political landscape.