Why is the Palestinian Authority angry over Iran's offer of aid?
The Palestinian Authority is upset over Iran's announcement that it will provide money directly to the families of Palestinians who attack Israelis, bypassing the PA and PLO.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Ties between the Palestinian Authority and Iran have entered a new crisis, initiated by Iran's parliament speaker announcing his country’s intention to provide financial aid to the families of every Palestinian killed in the intifada.
The announcement from Ali Larijani came during a Feb. 13 meeting with delegations from Palestinian factions (Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and al-Saiqa) in Tehran, on the sidelines of the celebrations highlighting the 37th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
The PA expressed its displeasure after Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Fathali explained at a press conference Feb. 24 that Iran will “pay an amount worth $7,000 to every family of a martyr of the intifada in Jerusalem, and $30,000 to every family whose house is demolished during the intifada by the occupation.”
Fathali also spoke of communicating with these families through the websites of the Committee for the Support of the Resistance in Palestine and the Iran-affiliated Shahid Palestine foundation, where the families will be able to fill out forms.
