Israel
‘Pay-for-slay’ may still be operational despite PA guarantees
The EU is reportedly set to investigate whether the ‘Martyrs’ Fund’ is still active through a series of backchannels
November 19, 2025 15:07
The EU is reportedly set to investigate whether the ‘Martyrs’ Fund’ is still active through a series of backchannels
November 19, 2025 15:07The Palestinian Authority’s (PA) Martyrs’ Fund, better known as the pay-for-slay scheme, may still be active despite Palestinian officials’ repeated guarantees that it would be closed down, it has emerged.
Information obtained by Euronews reportedly suggests that the programme, which financially rewards those convicted of violent attacks against Israelis, is continuing in all but name.
Following the official end of the scheme, the PA set up the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution (PNEEI), which is responsible for centrally administering all social and welfare payments.
However, Euronews has reported that some applicants are receiving extra payments on top of the standard package of around €500 through separate channels, which are “not reported or audited”.
This same mechanism also allegedly pays out to individuals who have not applied, but are on internal lists handed to the PNEEI by the prison’s authority, which previously oversaw the Martyrs’ Fund.
The report further suggests that some Hamas members are included on these lists, despite the PA’s insistence that no financial support is extended to the terror group.
Responding to the report, the European Commission commented: “The ending of the ‘prisoners and martyrs' payment’ is an important part of the reforms, which the Palestinian Authority has committed to.
"Issuing a decree-law in this direction earlier this year was a step forward and signalled the PA's commitment to implement far-reaching reforms.
"EU support to the PA is linked to its efforts to pursue the reform agenda, including the full implementation of a new Social Protection Law.
"Its mechanism on cash payments should be based exclusively on needs and vulnerability criteria.”
It comes after PA President Mahmoud Abbas sacked his finance minister, Omar Bitar, reportedly for allowing pay-for-slay payments to continue.
The news of Bitar’s removal was announced on Monday through Wafa, the PA’s official news outlet, without giving a reason.
However, the Times of Israel reported that his sacking followed an internal investigation into payments he’d authorised to Palestinian security prisoners.
Likewise, Israel remains sceptical of the PA, and has rejected the prospect of the extension of its remit to Gaza.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar tweeted: "Dismissing the Palestinian Authority’s finance minister will not absolve the dismisser, Mahmoud Abbas, and the PA of their complicity in pay-for-slay and responsibility for the ongoing payments to terrorists and their families.
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