"It will be implemented on the basis of available sources of funding,"
the law said.
The official PA newspaper, Al Hayat Al Jadida, said the minimum PA
salary for a prisoner would be 1,400 shekel [$400] per month for up to three
years, Middle East Newsline reported. From three to five years, the salary would increase to 2,000 shekel
[$572] and 4,000 shekels [$1,144] for those imprisoned up to 10 years.
Those imprisoned for more than 30 years would be eligible to receive 12,000
shekel [$3,432].
The Israeli organization Palestinian Media Watch, which first
highlighted the new PA law, envisioned that the Palestinian regime could use
donor funds to finance insurgents. PMW, which has testified in the U.S.
Congress on Palestinian issues, said donor funds could allow the PA to
continue the salaries.
"All of these prisoners, no matter what their crime or affiliation, will
receive the same base salary," the Israeli organization said. "Married
prisoners will also receive additional pay, as well as those with children.
Arabs from Jerusalem and Israeli Arabs imprisoned for terror offenses will
get an additional supplement of 300 and 500 shekel, [between $80 and $115]
respectively."
Under the law, announced by the PA on April 13, the PA would also
provide benefits for their families and legal costs. Those released would
also receive benefits such as free education and health insurance.
"We feel the the United States and European Union should be re-evaluating
not just their funding, but their entire relationship with the PA," PMW
said.