Iran Will Pay $7,000 to Each Family of Deceased Palestinians

The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon stated that the Islamic Republic will provide financial assistance to the families of Palestinians killed during anti-Israeli protests or those whose homes have been destroyed by Israel. According to Reuters, Mohammad Fathali said on Wednesday, March 5, at a press conference held in Beirut, "According to this decision, first and foremost, each family of the martyrs of the Intifada in Jerusalem will receive an amount of $7,000." He added that Iran will also pay $30,000 to families whose homes were destroyed by Israel due to their children's involvement in protests. Many Palestinians and dozens of Israelis have been killed in street violence over the past five months. Numerous reports have emerged about Palestinian protesters resorting to knife attacks and shootings against Israeli citizens. Israeli security forces have shot many of the attackers. Iran's financial support for the families of Palestinian attackers has provoked a strong reaction from Israel, with the Israeli Foreign Ministry condemning Iran's actions in a statement. This statement claims that such an issue "once again reveals Iran's role in strengthening terrorism" and proves that "Iran remains a key player in international terrorism following the nuclear agreement." The Israeli government is a major opponent of the nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes that "the influx of cash to Iran will allow that country to increase its support for armed groups affiliated with it, including Hezbollah and other enemies of Israel." This issue has also been acknowledged by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who stated that "it cannot be ruled out that some of the released funds will be used for terrorism after sanctions are lifted, but there is still no evidence that the released funds are being used for such purposes." In this context, the number of deaths and injuries continues to rise amid ongoing violence in Israel. France has officially presented its Middle East peace plan to Tel Aviv. Five Palestinians were killed while attempting to attack Israelis. The killers of a Palestinian teenager in Jerusalem have been condemned. The UN Secretary-General stated that Palestinian attacks stem from five decades of occupation.