For many years, the United States government has urged the Palestinian Authority (PA), which administers parts of the West Bank, to terminate a financial assistance program designed for families of Palestinians involved in attacks against Israel. This initiative, referred to as “pay for slay” by Israeli critics, is now undergoing significant changes. The Palestinian administration, viewed as a potential governing body for Gaza in the foreseeable future, aims to strengthen its relationship with the Trump administration, as reported by the New York Times. Recently, PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who had previously stated he would not abolish these payments, issued a decree to do just that. This decision appears to be a strategic move to secure economic support from the United States.

According to a law enacted by Trump in 2018, the PA is ineligible for economic assistance unless the so-called “martyr payments” cease. While Trump has not publicly indicated whether he would support the PA, even the prospect of US aid could alleviate some of the economic hardships faced by the financially struggling PA, which has grappled to meet its fiscal obligations and pay its employees’ salaries, as noted by the New York Times. Families of Palestinians who have been imprisoned or killed by Israel might still qualify for social welfare benefits, but eligibility will be determined based on financial need, “irrespective of political connections or past actions,” according to the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution.

Some may perceive this development as a victory for Trump; however, the Times of Israel reports that there were plans to announce this change during the Biden administration, but Israel intervened to postpone it. A representative from the Israeli foreign ministry has since claimed that this is merely “a new deception scheme,” asserting that payments will continue to be distributed “through alternative channels.” Israel has leveraged these payments as justification for withholding over $100 million annually from tax revenues collected on behalf of the PA, as highlighted by the New York Times. Additionally, Palestinians and Hamas have condemned this initiative, characterizing the prisoners as freedom fighters or wrongfully imprisoned individuals in the eyes of Israel. (For more related Palestinian Authority articles, click here.)