Released Palestinian prisoners get PA payout, monthly stipend

JERUSALEM  — Palestinian terrorists who were released from Israeli prisons in a goodwill gesture by Israel to restart the peace process were granted large payouts and monthly stipends from the Palestinian Authority.

Upon their release from Israeli prison, each of the prisoners received a $50,000 payment and granted a monthly salary, Israel Radio reported Monday. The prisoners were convicted of killing Israelis.

Some 52 Palestinians convicted of participating in terrorist attacks against Israelis before the 1993 Oslo Accords have been released in recent months. Another 52 are scheduled to be released over the nine months of U.S.-brokered Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.

A Palestinian official told Israel Radio that the money is to help the former prisoners restart their lives.