UK 'will reward terror' if martyrs' pay goes on

BRITAIN risks rewarding terrorism if it recognises Palestinian statehood without demanding an end to “payments for murder”, the Government has been warned.

- By David Williamson CHIEF POLITICAL COMMENTATOR

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK will recognise the state of Palestine this month unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and revives the prospect of a two-state solution.

Critics of the Palestinian Authority have accused it of running a “pay for slay” fund with payments to martyrs — families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed by Israel’s forces.

In February, after longstanding pressure from the US, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree overturning the payments system.