Key Points
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) issued an official announcement on November 16 (see appendix for a translation of the official statement) declaring the full implementation of the presidential decree from February 2025 that repealed the law on salaries for prisoners and the families of “martyrs”—Palestinian terrorists killed in operations against Israel—and transferred full authority over salary payments to the Tamkeen Foundation.[1] The announcement barred any government body or other institution from handling the matter. Anyone seeking to receive a salary must complete an online form through the official channels. The announcement came after it became clear that terrorists imprisoned in Israel had continued receiving their salaries from the Palestinian Authority, allegedly because the PA finance minister had ignored Abu Mazen’s instructions.
Abu Mazen’s move received extensive media coverage and drew sharp criticism, including from Fatah figures connected to the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club. For example, Qadura Fares, the ousted chairman of the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, claimed that Abu Mazen’s move was intended “to starve” the families of the prisoners. By contrast, comments made by Taer Shreiteh, the spokesperson for the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, on October 26—before Abu Mazen’s statement—suggest that Abu Mazen was once again misleading Israel and the international community. According to Shreiteh, Abu Mazen told the Commission that he had taken this step due to international pressure on the PA, but emphasized that Palestinian prisoners would not be harmed by the decision. Shreiteh noted that they are part of the Palestinian Authority and desire to remove all international pressure currently being placed on the PA.[2]
Investigative articles published after Abu Mazen’s announcement claimed that he had yielded to international pressure, particularly from Israel and the United States. The move was described as unprecedented—something not seen since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority, and as a step meant to preserve its economic stability.
On social media, Abu Mazen’s decision to fully implement the presidential decree from February 2025 sparked lively public debate. Families of prisoners and “martyrs” issued condemnations of Abu Mazen, expressed uncertainty and concern about the continuation of their salary payments, and voiced complete distrust of Tamkeen.
For now, there have been no protests against the PA, but such protests may emerge soon if salary payments to the prisoners and to the families of those killed (the “martyrs”) are indeed cut. It is worth noting that last May there were several protests in city centers by families of prisoners and “martyrs” to whom the PA has ceased paying salaries.
Abu Mazen’s announcement was meant to convince the United States, Western countries, and Israel that this time he is serious about stopping the payment of salaries to terrorists imprisoned in Israel under the Palestinian law that guarantees high salaries that increase with the length of imprisonment (implying that the more severe the attack, the higher the salary). Instead, the PA would pay smaller sums to the prisoners, ostensibly based on financial need. This comes as part of the reforms required of the PA under the Trump plan and against the background of the PA’s financial crisis.
At the same time, the announcement also confirms that Abu Mazen’s promise to do exactly this in February 2025 was never implemented, and that he knowingly misled everyone for nearly ten months. Moreover, the announcement confirms that until now—and contrary to the PA’s claims—the payments to the imprisoned terrorists were not some form of social support based on financial hardship, but an expression of appreciation for the attacks they carried out. It should be noted that even if Abu Mazen’s order is implemented this time exactly as written, there is no economic justification for paying any financial incentives to terrorists imprisoned in Israel or to the families of terrorists who died. The only reason for these payments is their participation in terrorist activity against Israel. Beyond that, it is likely that if external pressure eases, the PA will revert to its previous practice and find a way to increase the payments again—payments that Abu Mazen himself has repeatedly said he would never cut.
Publication of an Official Announcement by Abu Mazen
On November 16, 2025, Abu Mazen issued an official clarification from his office emphasizing that the Tamkeen Foundation is the sole body responsible for paying the salaries of Palestinian prisoners—that is, for implementing Presidential Decree No. 4 of 2025 (issued in February 2025 and repealing the law on salaries for prisoners and the families of ״martyrs״). Anyone seeking to receive an allowance must fill out a special form through the official channels. The announcement further stated that no government ministry or other Palestinian institution is authorized to handle the payment of salaries to Palestinian prisoners other than the Tamkeen Foundation.[3]
Key Reactions in the Palestinian and Pan-Arab Media
The Saudi channel Al-Sharq reported (November 17) in a special segment that the PA had decided to stop paying the salaries of families of Palestinian prisoners starting in November due to pressure from Israel, which withholds NIS 52 million from the PA each month, and due to pressure from the United States, which conditioned continued aid to the PA on taking this step. The allowance for each prisoner will range between NIS 1,400 and NIS 1,800 per month.[4]
An investigative report published (November 17) by the Arabic-language site Jusour Post noted that the Palestinian Authority had taken one of the most difficult decisions since its establishment, which has now sparked public controversy among Palestinians. According to the report, families of prisoners viewed the new measure as a “worrying blow,” one that undermines the only connection they had with the Palestinian Authority. The report assessed that criticism of the PA will grow in the coming period and that other Palestinian organizations, such as Hamas, will attempt to exploit the situation and provide financial assistance to the families of prisoners in order to erode public support for the PA, which is already low.[5]
Ibrahim Hamarsha, director of the Prisoners’ Club in Tulkarm, was interviewed (November 21) on the QUDSN channel following the PA’s decision to repeal the law on prisoner allowances and transfer them to the Tamkeen Foundation. Hamarsha condemned the move and claimed that nobody has the authority to repeal a Palestinian law enacted by the Palestinian Legislative Council. He argued that salaries for Palestinian prisoners are a “red line” that should not be crossed. According to him, Palestinian prisoners have paid a “heavy price” that cost them part of their lives, and the Palestinian people must unite in opposing this policy. Hamarsha noted that for now the families of the prisoners have remained silent in response to the move.[6]
Qadura Fares, former chairman of the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs (dismissed from his position in February 2025 by Abu Mazen), criticized (October 29) Abu Mazen’s move to repeal the law on prisoner salaries via the publication of the presidential decree in February 2025. According to him, these salaries are legal rights owed to the prisoners and their families. He said the purpose is “to starve” the families of the prisoners and turn them into impoverished families. Fares stressed that the issue of the prisoners is a national and moral issue that should have been discussed by the Palestinian factions in a special meeting of the PLO Executive Committee—something that has not happened so far.[7]
Taer Shreiteh, spokesperson for the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, was interviewed (October 26) on Ajyal Radio in Ramallah about the salaries of Palestinian prisoners. According to him, until now the prisoners had received their salaries through the Postal Bank, whereas under the new measure they will receive them through the Tamkeen Foundation. Shreiteh noted that they are in direct contact on the issue with Abu Mazen’s office and with his deputy, Hussein al-Sheikh. He said that Abu Mazen told them in their discussions that this step had been taken due to international pressure on the PA, but emphasized that Palestinian prisoners would not be harmed by it. Shreiteh added that they are part of the Palestinian Authority and want to remove all the international pressure currently placed on the PA.[8]
Yasin Az al-Din, a Palestinian writer and commentator, wrote on his X account that Abu Mazen’s latest announcement is full implementation of the cessation of salaries for prisoners and the families of “martyrs”—something he had repeatedly warned about. Now, he wrote, this has become a reality.[9] In another media outlet, Az al-Din stated that the move was carried out without the families of prisoners and “martyrs” knowing the nature of the Tamkeen Foundation, and that the fate of their salaries is now unclear. According to him, at present there are 1,615 Palestinian prisoners whose salaries the PA has stopped paying.[10]
Abd al-Qader Badawi, a Palestinian researcher and expert on prisoner affairs as well as a former prisoner himself, argued that transferring the payment of prisoner salaries to the Tamkeen Foundation carries risks because the institution has no immunity or trust from the Palestinian government, which will make it difficult for it to continue operating. According to him, the move harms the legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle.[11]
It should be noted that in May 2025, the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club publicly expressed strong opposition to Tamkeen’s demand that families of prisoners fill out online eligibility forms. According to these organizations, the requirement is “inappropriate” and even undermines the dignity of the prisoners’ families.[12]
Reactions on Social Media
Abu Mazen’s decision to fully implement the presidential decree issued in February 2025 sparked lively public debate on social media. Among the families of prisoners and “martyrs,” there were condemnations of Abu Mazen over the move, concern about the continuation of their salary payments, and even expressions of complete distrust of the Tamkeen Foundation. The main reactions were as follows:
- Condemnations of Abu Mazen and the PA — Many users criticized Abu Mazen, insulted him, and justified the actions of the prisoners as part of the Palestinian struggle. For example, they wrote: “Prisoners deserve to receive their salaries, and they have the right to freedom because they defended the homeland.” “Oh God, save them quickly, so they obtain all their rights.” “The prisoners are our pride and honor; whoever abandons them abandons the path to freedom and dignity.” “Abu Mazen is ninety and cannot withstand international pressure.” “They cut the prisoners’ salaries but they keep their seats—Abu Mazen should pay them from his father’s money.”[13] One Facebook page published a drawing depicting Abu Mazen as abandoning the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and surrendering to international pressure. Other users wrote: “Abu Mazen sold out the Palestinian people, and he also sold out Palestine through security coordination [with Israel],” “Gaza is being destroyed, and now Abu Mazen is looking to cut the salaries of the prisoners,” and “Traitor, Zionist agent, a man without honor.”[14]
- Uncertainty regarding salary payments — Many discussions on social media centered on the implications of implementing Abu Mazen’s February 2025 presidential decree. Numerous Palestinians expressed fear and concern over the fate of their salaries and tried to clarify whether salaries for November would be paid in December 2025. A woman from Nablus called on prominent Fatah figures to approach the Palestinian Authority regarding the salaries of prisoners and the families of “martyrs.” According to her, without the families of prisoners and “martyrs,” Palestinians would have no dignity and no existence.[15]
- Possibility of renewed protest activity — Many users expressed frustration over the silence of the families of prisoners and “martyrs” and complained that no protest rallies were held in PA city centers following Abu Mazen’s announcement. However, several users assessed that protest activity is likely to expand in the coming period because of the blow dealt to the families of prisoners and “martyrs.”[16]
- Lack of trust, information, and familiarity with the Tamkeen Foundation— One Palestinian user wrote on the Facebook page of the Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds: “What is this organization? Where is it located?” Another user wrote: “The Tamkeen Foundation is like the Hani al-Hassan Hospital, a name with no address…?” Another wrote: “Everything is lies and deceit. No address, no email address. The link takes you to an insurance company.” “The link for filling out forms shows that the website is under construction.”[17] Others wrote: “Their website is broken. They just talk without transparency,” and “This is theft of funds under the leadership of former minister Ahmad Majdalani.”
Appendix: Translation of Abu Mazen’s Official Announcement as Published by WAFA (November 16, 2025)
“In confirmation of the Presidential statement issued on October 3, 2025, and based on our firm commitment to implementing the comprehensive reform and development roadmap and building a unified national system for social protection and welfare in accordance with the highest international standards, we issued Decree-Law No. (4) of 2025 concerning the Palestinian National Foundation for Economic Empowerment and its amendments. This aims to unify social protection and welfare programs under the management and responsibility of a single national institution.
Accordingly, President Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, reiterated the following:
- The Palestinian National Foundation for Economic Empowerment is the sole entity responsible for implementing Decree-Law No. (4) of 2025. It is authorized to disburse financial allocations, apply eligibility criteria with complete fairness and transparency, and implement the provisions of the law in its entirety without any exceptions.
- No financial allocations will be disbursed to any category covered by the new system until the unified form approved by the Palestinian National Foundation for Economic Empowerment is completed and the eligibility conditions and criteria stipulated in the law are met.
- The government, ministries, and other institutions are considered irrelevant to disbursement files or financial allocation programs after the enactment of Law No. (4) of 2025. We emphasize that any procedures or instructions issued by entities other than the Palestinian National Foundation for Economic Empowerment are null and void and not binding.
- We affirm the strict commitment to implementing the provisions of Law No. (4) of 2025 and warn against any violation or obstruction of its requirements. The Palestinian National Foundation for Economic Empowerment bears full responsibility for implementing the law and monitoring entitlements.
- 5. We call upon all beneficiaries to fully cooperate with the Palestinian National Foundation for Economic Empowerment and to complete the unified form only through official channels to ensure that allocations reach their rightful recipients fairly and transparently, within the framework of the unified social protection and welfare system.
[1] Tamkeen — formally named the “Palestinian National Institution for Economic Empowerment” — was established in 2019 pursuant to a presidential decree issued by Abu Mazen. Its primary purpose is to strengthen economic and social growth among needy families. The institution’s main office is located in Ramallah, near the Netherlands Representative Office, and it maintains additional offices in PA areas. The institution is considered independent, although in 2024 Abu Mazen placed it under the PLO through a presidential decree. The chairman of its board of trustees is former minister Dr. Ahmad Majdalani, who also currently serves as a member of the PLO Executive Committee. The institution is funded by donations, grants, and Islamic endowment funds. On November 18, 2025, Ahmad Majdalani signed an agreement with the PA’s Minister of Communications to transfer salaries through Palestinian postal branches and via digital wallets.
[2] https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=671857912365712
[3] https://www.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/135970
[4] https://asharq.com/politics/161007/بعد-ضغوط-السلطة-الفلسطينية-توقف-دفع-رواتب-الأسرى/
[5] https://jusoorpost.com/ar/posts/66678/tht-dght-maly-osyasy-alslt-alflstyny-ttragaa-aan-ahm-rkayzha-alagtmaaay-otktaa-roatb-alasr
[6] instagram.com/reel/DRSFwMxjMUV/
[7] https://shehabnews.com/post/146451/%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%B9-%D8%A3%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%89-%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%B9-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%A8%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%85
[8] https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=671857912365712
[9] https://x.com/yaseenizeddeen/status/1990148634940494332
[10] https://palps.net/?p=11676
[11] https://shahed.cc/news/83531/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%AE%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%84-%D9%85%D8%AE%D8%B5%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%89-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%85%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%9F
[12] https://ultrapal.ultrasawt.com/لا-تليق-مؤسسات-الأسرى-ترفض-استمارة-تمكين/الترا-فلسطين/أخبار
[13] https://www.facebook.com/AsharqNewsPAL/posts/قررت-السلطة-الفلسطينية-وقف-دفع-رواتب-جميع-الأسرى-في-السجون-الإسرائيلية-ابتداءً-م/1151306273854733/
[14] https://www.facebook.com/ElwekalaPress/photos/ابو-مازن-يتخلي-عن-الاسري-الفلسطينيين-في-سجون-إسرائيل-يستجيب-للضغوط-الدولية-ويقرر/840230125368641/?_rdr
[15] https://www.facebook.com/taha.qatanani.56/posts/pfbid02Qu7JuQkF3Xb1NemHrHpFKttzSduM8yLQfKGadtsAs219MRv4Q6Z43Ri1pqkXzcd1l
[16] https://www.facebook.com/groups/1856470797837527?locale=ar_AR
[17]https://www.facebook.com/AsharqNewsPAL/posts/pfbid02EruncDtokBG8TiskZfvXLEzbVFW9bhcTpchN3scgDFEXwm2ejKqcbBC3QMHnvJgMl
JISS Policy Papers are published through the generosity of the Greg Rosshandler Family.
