Iran International:

Fatah, the ruling authority in the West Bank, has criticized Hamas for aligning itself with Iran, accusing the group of jeopardizing Palestinian interests and resources.

"Hamas sacrificed the interests of the Palestinian people for Iran and caused destruction in the Gaza Strip, to replicate its actions in the West Bank," Fatah said on Saturday, stressing its determination not to let Hamas repeat the same scenario in the West Bank as the war in Gaza rages on in the wake of the group's October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

The statement also underscored Fatah's resolve to prevent Hamas from spreading its influence into the West Bank, where the group remains a significant rival to Fatah’s Palestinian Authority.

As part of its strategy to consolidate control, Fatah has been ramping up security operations, particularly in Jenin, which has become a stronghold for armed factions, including Iran-backed Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

The Palestinian Authority's growing military presence is a signal that it will not tolerate Hamas-like governance in the West Bank, particularly given the ongoing unrest in Gaza. It is also a sign to the incoming Trump administration that it has control over the contested territory.

Fatah holds Hamas directly responsible for the devastating consequences of the October 7 attack, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and triggered a massive Israeli military response.

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