US Report Says Palestinian Authority Paid $160 Million to Terrorists, Fell Short on Reforms
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · May 18
US Report Says Palestinian Authority Paid $160 Million to Terrorists, Fell Short on Reforms
1 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · May 18
$160 million in 2025 payments to prisoners and their families featured in a State Department report to Congress that said the Palestinian Authority still funds terror and promotes violent rhetoric.
The review, covering June 2025 to May 2026, said PA leaders failed to clearly condemn Hamas's October 7 attack, while senior PLO and Fatah figures made statements incompatible with recognizing Israel.
PA schools also remained a focus: the report said curriculum changes were insufficient and that students were still exposed to antisemitic content, glorification of violence and maps erasing Israel.
The report noted some counterterrorism coordination with Israel and efforts against Hamas in the West Bank, but said those steps did not offset broader failures.
Washington's findings are likely to keep PA aid blocked under the 2018 Taylor Force Act, adding to West Bank financial strain as schools run reduced hours and public workers receive about 80% pay.
With US funds cut over its 'pay-for-slay' policy, can the Palestinian Authority survive to govern a future state?
Why does the PA cooperate on security with Israel while funding terrorism and teaching anti-Israel hate in schools?
Is the new Gaza peace plan doomed by the PA's ongoing incitement and refusal to disavow violence?
$156 Million for Terror Stipends: The 2026 US State Department Report on Palestinian Authority "Pay-for-Slay" Payments and International Fallout
Overview
In early 2026, the US State Department reported to Congress that the Palestinian Authority (PA) continued its controversial 'pay-for-slay' program, distributing about $156 million in 2025—$126 million to imprisoned or released terrorists and $30 million to families of those killed in attacks. Although the PA claimed to reform the system into a needs-based welfare program, US and Israeli officials, along with watchdog groups, remained skeptical, seeing the changes as mostly cosmetic. This ongoing practice has led to financial strain within the PA, unpaid salaries for public employees, and increased international pressure, especially under US laws restricting aid tied to these payments.