Palestinian Fighters Claim Victory After Battle of Karameh
PLO forces aided by Jordanian army inflict casualties on Israeli troops in Jordan Valley, boosting Palestinian resistance morale.
KARAMEH, Jordan - Palestinian guerrillas and Jordanian forces fought a day-long battle against Israeli troops in and around the Jordanian border town of Karameh today, marking a significant moment for the Palestinian resistance movement.
Israel launched Operation Inferno at dawn, sending 15,000 troops supported by tanks and aircraft across the Jordan River to destroy Palestinian fedayeen bases. The attack targeted Yasser Arafat’s Fatah organization, which has conducted numerous raids into Israel from Jordan.
Unlike previous encounters where guerrillas melted away, Palestinian fighters chose to stand and fight, aided by Jordanian artillery and armor. The unexpected resistance resulted in heavier Israeli casualties than anticipated.
Israel reported 28 soldiers killed and 69 wounded, while claiming to have killed 150 guerrillas and captured 130. Palestinian sources claim they killed over 100 Israeli soldiers, though these figures cannot be independently verified.
“Today we proved that Palestinians can fight and die for their homeland,” declared Fatah spokesman Abu Iyad. “Karameh will inspire thousands to join the resistance.”
The battle’s psychological impact appears to exceed its military significance. Despite tactical success in destroying the camp, Israel’s failure to achieve a swift victory against Palestinian irregulars has emboldened the resistance movement.
Yasser Arafat, who reportedly fought in the battle before escaping, has emerged as a hero to many Palestinians. “After Karameh, we are no longer refugees waiting for salvation. We are revolutionaries fighting for liberation,” he told supporters.
King Hussein of Jordan faces a delicate balance. While Jordanian forces supported the Palestinians today, the growing fedayeen presence challenges his authority. The kingdom hosts hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees who increasingly view the guerrillas as their champions.
The battle’s aftermath sees recruitment surging for Palestinian groups. Young Palestinians in refugee camps across the region are volunteering to join the fedayeen, transforming Karameh into a symbol of resistance despite the military losses.