Palestinian Authority security forces have battled Islamist fighters in Jenin for days, as they wrestle to exert control of one of the historic centres of militancy in the West Bank ahead of a likely shakeout in Palestinian politics after the Gaza war.

Palestinian security forces have launched a rare crackdown against local militant groups in the northern West Bank.

"The continuation of the PA's security operation indicates that it is turning a deaf ear to all Palestinian voices," the terror group claimed.

In the past week, the Palestinian Authority has made its most intense show of force in years. Its security forces have surrounded and are attacking the occupied West Bank city of Jenin and its refugee camp,

The rare move by the Palestinian Authority, who govern pockets of the Israeli- occupied West Bank, was justified to remove Iran-backed militant groups causing "chaos."View on euronews

The battle of Jenin is part of tectonic Mideast shifts that could have ramifications in Gaza and beyond, including for President-elect Trump’s hopes

In an unusual move, Palestinian security forces have initiated a crackdown on militant groups in the northern West Bank, engaging in intense gunbattles and resulting in at least two fatalities. This marks a rare operation by the Palestinian Authority to restore order in a volatile area dominated by groups like Islamic Jihad and Hamas.

The Palestinian government has been carrying out a rare and lethal sweep against militants in a flashpoint West Bank city, saying it was needed to foil an imminent car-bombing and other attacks.

At least one person was killed as Palestinian security forces clashed with Palestinian militants and set up checkpoints on Saturday in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, residents and medics said.