UK aid must not help martyr payouts, David Cameron told

Concerns over British aid to Palestine

David Cameron is being urged to conduct a thorough audit of British aid to Palestine amid fears that it is being used to fund payouts to the wives of terrorist "martyrs". The Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank, reportedly spends millions each year on a controversial practice known as "pay for slay". This practice involves monthly stipends being paid to terrorists and the families of deceased terrorists who commit politically motivated violence against Israel. Critics argue that while the UK government claims that no aid goes directly to this fund, the aid it does provide allows the Palestinian Authority to free up cash for these payouts.

Call for action

Independent peer Ian Austin is calling on the new Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, to conduct a full audit of UK aid. Austin argues that while ministers claim they no longer directly fund the Palestinian Authority, it is crucial to ensure that not a single penny is being used to teach extremism or finance terrorists and their families through the "pay to slay" scheme. The UK has already provided an additional £60 million in aid to the Occupied Palestinian territories since the outbreak of war, on top of the £27 million already committed for this year.

Concerns raised by Rabbi Leo Dee

Rabbi Leo Dee, a British-Israeli whose wife and two daughters were murdered by Hamas in the West Bank, warns that the UK is effectively funding its enemies. He describes the "pay to slay" scheme as the largest terrorist incentive scheme ever created, funded by the West. Dee highlights that the families of the terrorists responsible for his family's deaths will receive approximately a million dollars per family over the next 40 years. Dee's concerns reflect broader fears that UK aid may inadvertently support the "pay for slay" practice.

Response from the Foreign Office

The Foreign Office spokesperson has reiterated that no UK aid is used for payments to Palestinian prisoners or their families, including the Martyrs Fund. They have also emphasized that UK aid undergoes rigorous oversight to minimize the risk of diversion. However, campaigners and critics are calling for a comprehensive audit to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of UK aid to Palestine.