Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has dismissed Quddura Fares

Feb 18, Tuesday, 2025: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has dismissed Qaddura Fares, the chairman of the Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs Commission, following Fares’ public criticism of a presidential decree that rescinds payments to the families of Palestinian Authority’s (PA).

This decree marks a significant shift in the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) policy, ending the controversial “pay-for-slay” program that provided monthly stipends to prisoners and their families, including those involved in attacks on Israelis. The program had been heavily criticized by the U.S. and Israel for allegedly incentivizing terrorism.

The new policy aims to integrate these payments into the broader welfare system, basing support on socio-economic factors rather than the individual’s status. The new policy aims to integrate these payments into the broader welfare system, basing support on socio-economic factors rather than the individual’s status related to the conflict.

This change is welcomed by the U.S. and the European Union, who view it as a major political achievement. However, Israeli officials remain skeptical about the sincerity and effectiveness of the reforms.

Fares, a prominent advocate for Palestinian prisoners’ rights, expressed strong opposition to the decree, emphasizing the national significance of supporting detainees and their families. His dismissal underscores the internal tensions within the PA regarding this policy shift.

The decision to overhaul the prisoner payment system comes amid a severe financial crisis faced by the PA, exacerbated by reduced aid and economic disruptions due to ongoing conflicts. The PA aims to address fiscal challenges and the needs of growing impoverished families in Gaza and the West Bank.

Critics within the PA and Hamas express strong opposition to the reforms, viewing them as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Past attempts at reform have failed, leading to doubts about the current promises. The U.S. and EU will monitor the adherence to the reforms, which are contingent on substantial economic support from these entities.

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