A controversial decision by the Palestinian Authority (PA) to restructure payments to families of prisoners, martyrs, and injured individuals is generating significant backlash. The move, which involves transferring responsibility for these payments to the newly established ‘Empowerment’ institution, is being interpreted by some as a concession to Israeli narratives, while others view it as an attempt to streamline distribution without compromising national principles.
The ‘Empowerment’ initiative has ignited widespread anger, particularly after beneficiaries of social protection programs and cash assistance were instructed to collect their payments from banks, only to find that the expected funds were not available. This discrepancy triggered immediate protests and sit-ins in Ramallah, Nablus, and other areas, as families of prisoners, martyrs, and injured Palestinians voiced their outrage over the disruption of their financial support.
In response to the growing unrest, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement clarifying the rationale behind the changes and the role of ‘Empowerment’ within the PA’s broader reform program. However, critics remain unconvinced. Hassan Khreesheh, Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, condemned the decision as a betrayal of the sacrifices made by those who have long been considered heroes of the Palestinian cause.
“There is no one among the Palestinians who supports this decision because it stabs the bodies, souls and history of those who made the decision-makers leaders of the country,” Khreesheh stated, emphasizing the deep-seated opposition to treating those who sacrificed for the nation as mere social cases.
While President Abbas has attempted to distance himself from the specific implementation of the changes, the protests continue, fueled by concerns that the new system will relegate the families of martyrs and prisoners to a state of dependency. Furthermore, questions are being raised about the legal status and financial stability of ‘Empowerment,’ with critics pointing out that it is not a government institution and its funding may be subject to fluctuations, potentially jeopardizing the long-term provision of support to these vulnerable families. The core issue, according to observers, is that diminishing the status of martyrs and prisoners may inadvertently discourage resistance to the occupation.
