The pain of loss echoes through the Jenin camp as the family of 21-year-old Shatha al-Sabbagh mourns her tragic death. Known for her ambition and love for journalism, Shatha was killed in a shooting that her family pinpoints on the Palestinian Authority's (PA) security forces, amid a backdrop of intensifying conflict in the region. Her killing not only highlights the ongoing power struggle in the occupied West Bank but also raises questions about safety and accountability within Palestinian society.
'Stop shooting! My daughter is dead': Tragic killing of young journalist during West Bank conflict

'Stop shooting! My daughter is dead': Tragic killing of young journalist during West Bank conflict
A journalism student, Shatha al-Sabbagh, was fatally shot in Jenin as tensions continue to escalate between Palestinian factions and security forces.
Shatha al-Sabbagh was just 21 years old when the aspiring journalist was tragically killed in a shooting while out shopping with her family in the Jenin camp, an area plagued by violence and political strife. Her death has drawn sharp criticism towards the Palestinian Authority (PA), as her family asserts that the security forces operating in their neighborhood bear direct responsibility. Shatha's mother, Umm al-Motassem, recalls the horrifying moments when her daughter was shot in the head, expressing her anguish and disbelief at the event that unfolded.
In recent weeks, the PA has launched a major security operation targeting armed groups in Jenin, escalating tensions between the authority and local factions. Notably, the Jenin Battalion, composed of fighters from groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, has become a focal point of both resistance and backlash against the PA. As violence continues, at least 14 Palestinians have been killed during this crackdown, including minors, leading many in the camp to express increasing fear of the PA, equating it to the fear historically associated with Israeli military raids.
Shatha's death highlights the struggles faced by civilians in the camp, where daily life has come to a standstill due to relentless gunfire and security operations. Residents describe food shortages, power outages, and a growing sense of desperation, as they navigate life under the shadow of violence.
While the PA positions itself as a stabilizer, local sentiments reflect a different reality. The confrontation ignites ongoing debates about governance and resistance within Palestinian territories. Activists and residents alike continue to voice their calls for accountability and justice, longing for a resolution to the violence that has deeply affected their lives.
Umm al-Motassem implores for answers about her daughter’s death: “They can go after the 'outlaws' but why did my daughter have to die?” As frustration and grief mount in Jenin, the community rallies for recognition of their struggles and the need for safety amidst the chaos.
In recent weeks, the PA has launched a major security operation targeting armed groups in Jenin, escalating tensions between the authority and local factions. Notably, the Jenin Battalion, composed of fighters from groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, has become a focal point of both resistance and backlash against the PA. As violence continues, at least 14 Palestinians have been killed during this crackdown, including minors, leading many in the camp to express increasing fear of the PA, equating it to the fear historically associated with Israeli military raids.
Shatha's death highlights the struggles faced by civilians in the camp, where daily life has come to a standstill due to relentless gunfire and security operations. Residents describe food shortages, power outages, and a growing sense of desperation, as they navigate life under the shadow of violence.
While the PA positions itself as a stabilizer, local sentiments reflect a different reality. The confrontation ignites ongoing debates about governance and resistance within Palestinian territories. Activists and residents alike continue to voice their calls for accountability and justice, longing for a resolution to the violence that has deeply affected their lives.
Umm al-Motassem implores for answers about her daughter’s death: “They can go after the 'outlaws' but why did my daughter have to die?” As frustration and grief mount in Jenin, the community rallies for recognition of their struggles and the need for safety amidst the chaos.