Palestinian Authority criticized by son of deceased officer Fathi Khazem

Hammam Khazem, the son of former Palestinian security officer Fathi Khazem (known as ‘Abu al-Raad’), has issued a sharp critique of the Palestinian Authority, accusing it of abandoning his father before his death.

According to Hammam Khazem, his father endured years of hardship, including the loss of two sons, the imprisonment of a daughter, and the demolition of four family homes by Israeli forces. While the Palestinian Authority initially provided Fathi Khazem with a rental home, a vehicle, and protection arrangements during a five-month medical stay in Ramallah, these supports were reportedly withdrawn. Following this, he was placed into ‘forced retirement’ and returned to Jenin, where he lived for two and a half years in substandard housing.

The family disputes the official account of Fathi Khazem’s death. While the Palestinian Authority stated he passed away, the family maintains he was the victim of a ‘premeditated and planned’ targeting by Israeli forces, asserting he was killed ‘in cold blood.’ Hammam Khazem questioned the authorities' whereabouts during his father's final moments and criticized the lack of support provided during his period of extreme vulnerability.