Watan-The Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative Movement, Mustafa Barghouti, criticized the government of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, describing it as without authority following the Israeli army’s raids on Ramallah in the West Bank.
Barghouti said in a tweet on the platform X: “The Israeli army invaded the city of Ramallah and positioned itself in the city center, confirming that the Palestinian Authority is without any authority.”
Israeli forces carried out raids targeting the city, which hosts the Palestinian presidency headquarters, and deployed snipers in several buildings during the siege of Manara Square in the city center.
The Israeli army invaded Ramallah and is stationed in the city center confirming that the Palestinian authority is without any authority.
— Mustafa Barghouti @Mustafa_Barghouti (@MustafaBarghou1) February 15, 2024
Mustafa Barghouti’s tweet received wide-ranging interaction.
Two youths were shot during clashes with the Israeli army in downtown Ramallah without any movement from Mahmoud Abbas’s authorities showing any sovereignty in the area, which sparked bitter criticisms, including Barghouti’s description of the Palestinian authorities as being without authority.
There was widespread interaction with Mustafa Barghouti’s tweet, and social media users reacted to Barghouti’s attack on Abbas’s government, with some asserting that the Palestinian Authority only appears as men against Palestinians.
The Palestinian Authority only act like men against the Palestinians
— Mawtini 🇵🇸 (@MawtiniLevent) February 15, 2024
One Twitter user asked: “I don’t understand how there are no units to repel the Israeli incursions in the West Bank. How can people suffer so much and not resist?”
I just don’t understand how come there aren’t any units to sn1pe or b0mb the occupation in the WB from where they don’t see. How can people suffer so much and not fight back.
— Aida A. (@_truthtopower) February 15, 2024
A third follower urged Mustafa Barghouti to take over the authority instead of Abbas, tweeting: “You need to take over Abbas’s position, as you are more beloved and respected, and everyone knows that Abbas is a Zionist puppet and a traitor.”
Since the Gaza War in October 2023, the Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas has dealt with the situation in Gaza with a sense of caution.
You need to take over Abbas position, you’re much more liked and respected and everyone knows Abbas is a Zionist puppet and he’s a traitor, I also came across a post about some Israeli’s would prefer you as well. I’ll see if can find it and will post it.
— Nosh 🇵🇸🇿🇦 (@Nosh3331A) February 15, 2024
While it declares solidarity with Gaza, it seems to be preparing to take control of the situation in the territory.
Earlier, Abbas stated that the Authority is ready to assume full responsibility in Gaza as part of a comprehensive political solution, including East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.