'Pay-for-slay endorsed if we recognise Palestine'

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

- By David Williamson

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 by providing payments to families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed by Israel’s forces.

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