In Major Concession, Abbas Ends Infamous ‘Pay-to-Slay’ Terror Funding System

Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has signed a decree officially canceling the longstanding policy of financially rewarding terrorists and their families, a system infamously known as “pay-to-slay.” This move marks a significant victory for President Donald Trump, as repeated U.S. administrations had failed to secure this concession from the PA.

According to a Palestinian official, the new decree states that financial aid will now be distributed based solely on economic need rather than rewarding acts of terror. The decision, first reported by Walla and confirmed by The Times of Israel, is seen as part of Ramallah’s broader effort to improve ties with Washington.

Although discussions to reform the terror payment system had been ongoing for over a year—largely under the Biden administration—the PA strategically delayed announcing the move. Palestinian officials reportedly saved this gesture for the incoming Trump administration, briefing Trump’s team during the transition period. However, sources indicate that the announcement was temporarily shelved after Trump recently declared his intent to take control of Gaza, a statement that sent shockwaves throughout the Arab world.

The PA’s decision to finally end “pay-to-slay” is widely viewed as an attempt to reestablish ties with Washington after years of political miscalculations. In 2017, Abbas severed relations with the U.S. following Trump’s historic recognition of Yerushalayim as Israel’s capital. The PA’s refusal to engage led to its exclusion from the Abraham Accords, as multiple Arab nations moved forward with normalization agreements without Palestinian involvement.

Now, as Saudi Arabia considers joining the Abraham Accords, the PA is working to strengthen its ties with Riyadh, hoping to influence any potential agreement by demanding conditions for a future Palestinian state. Meanwhile, PA officials have signaled to Trump’s team that they are willing to use his 2020 peace plan as a framework for negotiations.

This latest decree is yet another sign that Abbas is seeking to reposition the PA on the world stage. However, whether this decision marks a genuine shift in PA policy or is simply a tactical maneuver to gain political favor remains to be seen.