Report: Palestinian Authority continues financial support for families of terrorists

According to the Palestinian News & Information Agency (Wafa), the PA's General Intelligence Service has recently transferred payments to 28 families of deceased terrorists and 10 families of individuals currently imprisoned for security-related offenses. This action follows the directives of Maj. Gen. Majed Faraj, head of the General Intelligence Service.

The payments, which were processed through the Palestinian National Institute for Economic Empowerment, are part of a broader effort to support the families of what the PA refers to as "martyrs" and prisoners. The General Intelligence Service’s directive emphasized that future payments will be conditioned on the social status of the families, a strategic move to reduce the risk of these funds being targeted for deductions by the Israeli government or subject to international sanctions.

The financial assistance has drawn attention to the PA's ongoing policy of compensating those involved in violent acts against Israel. Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, has long supported such payments, reiterating that "even if there is not a penny left, it will be given to the families of shahids and prisoners." This stance reinforces the PA's position of financially supporting individuals and families connected to violent resistance against Israel.

The continued funding of terrorist families has sparked criticism, with opponents arguing that it incentivizes further violence and perpetuates a cycle of extremism. Despite international pressure to cease these payments, the PA has remained steadfast in its commitment to the program, which it sees as an essential part of its support for Palestinian resistance efforts.