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Source: https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Palestinians-divided-over-PAs-anti-crime-campaign-597727
PA Launches an Anti-Crime Campaign
(Jerusalem Post) Khaled Abu Toameh - Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank on Sunday launched a crackdown on Palestinians suspected of involvement in criminal activities south of Hebron in coordination with the IDF. Most of the detainees are suspected of armed robberies, car thefts and physical assaults, a senior PA police officer in Hebron said. On Sunday, residents of some of the targeted areas took to the streets in protest against the PA's anti-crime drive. Local residents said in some instances some of the suspected criminals and members of their families exchanged gunfire with police officers. In Yatta, leaders of local families and municipality officials offered food and soft drinks to the PA policemen participating in the security operation. "We are very happy that our police forces are finally going after the criminals and gangs here," said Mohammed Abu Sharha, a local merchant. Some Palestinians said they were worried that the PA security forces were being selective in their crackdown. "If you're a senior member of Fatah and have friends in the Palestinian Authority, you will get a free pass to break the law," said Nablus-based political activist Izzat al-Masri.