Ramallah – Following a wave of public anger and criticism regarding the Palestinian Authority’s handling of payments to prisoners and their families, President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a statement clarifying the situation. The statement addresses concerns raised by official institutions, human rights organizations, and members of the Fatah Central Committee regarding the allocation of funds and the role of the ‘Tamkeen’ institution.
President Abbas, in a statement published by the official Palestinian News Agency, affirmed the PA’s commitment to supporting the families of prisoners and those killed, stating it is a “national and moral obligation that is not subject to political exploitation or incitement.” He emphasized that the PA’s actions are part of a broader reform program aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of social welfare programs.
The statement specifically addresses Law No. (4) of 2025, which established the National Palestinian Institution for Economic Empowerment (‘Tamkeen’). This institution is designed to consolidate social protection and welfare programs under a single national entity. According to Abbas, the transfer of prisoner payments to ‘Tamkeen’ is part of this reform initiative, aimed at “unifying and organizing the system of social protection and care, ensuring fairness, transparency, and sustainability in the provision of allowances, according to objective and professional standards, while preserving the dignity and rights of beneficiaries.”
Abbas clarified that ‘Tamkeen’ is an official executive body solely responsible for implementing policies and decisions according to the law, without any legislative or political authority. He cautioned against holding the institution or its staff accountable for responsibilities outside their legal mandate, stating that such actions “confuse matters and cause unjustified harm to a national institution that is fulfilling its duty within the unified reform and social protection system.”
The President’s statement comes after a February decree that altered the payment system for families of prisoners, those killed, and the injured. This shift has sparked debate and concern among various segments of Palestinian society. The PA aims to assure the public that these changes are intended to improve the system and ensure that support reaches those who need it most, in a fair and transparent manner.
