December 28, 2009.
The Palestinian Authority revealed on Sunday that it rewards both Hamas and
Fatah terrorists with higher “salaries” for committing more serious terrorist
attacks that are followed by convictions for long-term sentences in Israeli
prison.
Most of the PA’s funds come from European Union countries, and the United
States earlier this month, for the first time ever, included the PA in its foreign
aid package with a $500 million grant. Twenty percent of the American money
is earmarked for training the PA’s new army, under the guidance of American
army General Keith Dayton.
A condition of the aid is that the PA recognize Israel, renounce violence and
accept previous agreements with Israel, including a halt to anti-Semitic and
anti-Zionist incitement.
The PA Minister for Prisoners told the Bethlehem-based Ma’an news agency
Sunday that it pays out three million shekels ($790,000) a month for monthly
stipends for prisoners and their families. The minister specifically denied a
complaint that Hamas terrorists were being cut off from receiving fund.
The monthly payment amount to 1,000 shekels ($260) but rises to four times
that amount, more than $1,000, to terrorists who have served more than 25
years in jail for more serious attacks on Israelis.
In addition, terrorists who are released by Israel receive another 1,200-2,000
shekels ($316-$525) a month for half a year if they were in prison for at least
five years. The total payments for their time in jail and release amount to as
much $10,000.
