Abbas and the Convicted Terrorist: Unpacking the Latest Conflict

Terrorist

Mahmoud Abbas’s unexpected commendation of a convicted terrorist heightens Israel-Palestine tensions, further complicating peace prospects.

Quick Takes

  • Abbas praised Yasser Abu Bakr, a convicted terrorist, aggravating Israel and Palestine relations.
  • Abbas’s actions are under fire for inciting violence and undermining Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
  • “Pay-for-Slay” policy incentivizes terrorism, raising international criticism.
  • The PA increasingly loses security control, fueling regional instability.

Praise Sparks Backlash

Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Authority President, stirred controversy with his congratulatory call to Yasser Abu Bakr, a terrorist convicted and released under a ceasefire deal mediated with Hamas. Abu Bakr was serving a lengthy sentence for attacks resulting in the deaths of Israeli civilians, including an infant. Abbas’s remarks are perceived as a tacit endorsement of violence and have been condemned by Israeli officials, intensifying the already fraught bilateral relations.

“When the Palestinian Authority denounces Trump’s plan to move Gazans to Egypt & Jordan, we should remind them of YESTERDAY when their leader Mahmoud Abbas called released terrorist Yasser Abu Bakr to congratulate him. He was sentenced to 115 years in jail for murdering three Israelis, including a 9-month-old baby,” said radio host Ari Hoffman.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described Abbas as a “supporter of terror,” reflecting widespread Israeli indignation over the Palestinian leader’s words. Abbas’s praise for Abu Bakr has deepened skepticism regarding his commitment to peace and reaffirms perceptions of Palestinian leadership’s role in perpetuating conflict.

Violence and Incentives

Critics argue that the Palestinian Authority’s policies, notably the “Pay-for-Slay” scheme, incentivize terrorism through financial rewards to convicted terrorists and their families. This policy remains a contentious issue, reportedly comprising 5% of the PA’s annual budget as of 2022. International backlash mounts as such payments are seen as glorifying acts of terror, further entrenching violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

“Remember this the next time someone tells you Abbas is a ‘partner for peace,’” observed speechwriter Aviva Klompas.

Beyond financial incentives, Palestinian leadership, through state-controlled media and educational resources, reportedly promotes anti-Israel narratives and terrorist glorification. Such practices are believed to contribute to the radicalization of Palestinian youths, undermining efforts toward ending the longstanding conflict.

Impacts on Peace Initiatives

The impact of Abbas’s actions extends to the deteriorating security scenario within West Bank cities like Jenin and Nablus, where the Palestinian Authority struggles to maintain control. Reports suggest that the PA’s inability—or reluctance—to cooperate with Israeli security has led to heightened counterterrorism operations by Israel.

Despite opportunities for negotiation, Palestinian leaders have consistently rejected peace proposals, including those promoting a two-state solution. Meanwhile, the PA continues to push anti-Israel initiatives at the United Nations, essentially sidestepping direct dialogue with Israel. Many suggest that Abbas’s leadership must pivot towards institution-building and peace negotiations to create genuine progress in ending the cycle of conflict.