In a significant policy shift, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced the termination of special payments to families of individuals engaged in terrorist activities. This move comes as part of an effort to address long-standing concerns raised by both Israel and the United States regarding the financial incentives that such payments provided for acts of terrorism. According to reports from the Palestinian news agency Wafa, Abbas has issued a decree to revoke an existing law that previously governed these payments. Instead, affected families will now receive standard social assistance aimed at those in financial need. The decision to end these payments has been a contentious issue, with implications for relations between the Palestinian Authority, Israel, and the United States. The payments had been viewed as a direct financial encouragement for terrorism, as they benefitted families of those who had either perpetrated attacks or were imprisoned for such acts. The Palestinian Authority had allocated a significant portion of its budget to support thousands of Palestinian families affected by these situations, which has been a point of contention in peace negotiations. This policy change is seen as a reaction to increasing pressure from the United States, particularly under the new Trump administration, which has previously advocated for an end to such financial support. Previous U.S. administrations expressed concerns that these payments could motivate young individuals to commit acts of violence. Reports indicate that discussions regarding this policy shift had begun during the Biden administration, suggesting a broader consensus on the necessity of this change. The financial support system, often referred to as the 'Martyr Fund', has been defended by Abbas in the past, framed as a social responsibility towards families who have lost members in conflict. However, critics argue that this support has perpetuated a cycle of violence by providing economic incentives for terrorist actions. The Israeli government has responded to these payments with its own controversial practices, including the demolition of homes belonging to perpetrators of attacks, as a means of deterrence. The cessation of these payments marks a notable change in policy by the Palestinian Authority, which has faced increasing scrutiny regarding its commitment to combating terrorism. The decision may signal a willingness to engage in more constructive dialogue with both Israel and the United States, as the region continues to grapple with the complexities of achieving lasting peace. As the Palestinian Authority navigates this new approach, the implications for families previously reliant on these funds remain to be seen. The transition to regular social welfare support could provide a more stable financial foundation for these families, but it also raises questions about the long-term impact on community relations and the broader socio-political climate in the region. Moving forward, the response from various stakeholders, including the international community, will be critical in shaping the future of Palestinian social and economic policies.