Concerns over British aid to Palestine
David Cameron is being urged to conduct a thorough review of British aid to Palestine amid fears that it may be indirectly funding payouts to the wives of terrorist "martyrs". The Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank, allocates significant amounts of money each year to a practice known as "pay for slay". This practice involves providing monthly stipends to terrorists and families of deceased terrorists who commit politically motivated violence against Israel. Payouts can reach up to £2,500 per month, much higher than the average local salaries.
Questioning the use of UK aid
While the British Foreign Office claims that no UK aid is directed to the "Martyrs Fund", campaigners argue that Western aid spent on other essential services indirectly supports this practice. Independent peer Ian Austin insists that the new Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, must conduct a comprehensive audit of UK aid to ensure that not a single penny is used for extremist education or to support terrorists and their families through the "pay to slay" scheme.
Additional aid to the Occupied Palestinian territories
Since the outbreak of war, the UK has provided an extra £60 million in aid to the Occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to the £27 million already committed for this year. Most of the aid is channeled through the United Nations agency UNRWA and is used for healthcare and education purposes. However, Rabbi Leo Dee, a British-Israeli whose wife and daughters were killed by Hamas in the West Bank, warns that the UK is technically funding its enemies.
Foreign Office denies funding payouts
The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that no UK aid is used for payments to Palestinian prisoners, their families, or the Martyrs Fund. Sources also emphasized that UK aid undergoes strict oversight to minimize the risk of diversion.
