Palestinian Authority Sparks Fury by Cutting Prisoner Payments

The Palestinian Authority has for years taken care of the families of any West Bank or Gaza Palestinian killed, hurt or imprisoned by Israelis — whether a murderer or an innocent shepherd. The monthly stipends embodied the belief that such individuals were part of the national struggle.

Under international pressure to stop the practice — including from the US and European Union — that social contract is being rewritten. Across refugee camps and urban centers, payments to families have been cut off, and protests have erupted in several West Bank cities in recent days.