Abbas Alters Payments to Families of Prisoners

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a decree revoking the longstanding system of payments to families of Palestinians killed or imprisoned by Israel, a move that has been a major demand of the United States and Israel. This decision, criticized by Hamas as 'unpatriotic', aims to restructure the payments under the Palestinian National Foundation for Economic Empowerment, with allowances being provided as regular social welfare. The change seeks to improve relations with the U.S., potentially resuming financial aid, following pressure and negotiations led by the Biden administration. The decree has been viewed as an attempt to enhance the Palestinian Authority's international credibility and address financial pressures exacerbated by reduced aid and Israeli tax revenue deductions. Despite the suspension, details of the new payment mechanism remain unclear. This development comes amid broader political maneuvers by the Palestinian Authority, including efforts to assert control in Gaza and the West Bank.