Abbas to continue payments to terrorist prisoners - the “stars in the sky” who have “priority in everything”

Official PA TV News, on PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ statements at a ceremony honoring released prisoners and families of dead terrorists

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas: "By Allah, even if we have only a penny left it will only be spent on the families of the Martyrs and the prisoners, and only afterwards will it be spent on the rest of the people. This is a group that we appreciate and respect, and we consider it the one paving the way to Palestine’s independence for the future generations."
Official PA TV reporter: "With these words [PA] President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed a group of released prisoners and honored the leadership of the movement of prisoners, who sacrificed their souls and lives for the defense of their people and homeland. The president gave a number of Martyrs and prisoners the Jerusalem Medal in recognition of their role and their honorable national struggle. [The Martyrs] ascended [to Heaven] in defense of their people and homeland..."
PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas: "We view the Martyrs and prisoners as stars in the sky of the Palestinian people and the sky of the Palestinian people’s struggle, and they have priority in everything..."
Fatah Central Committee Secretary Jibril Rajoub: "On behalf of all the prisoners, and prime among them this group – whether they are the families of the Martyrs who were giants and mighty, or whether they are those who are still alive (i.e., the prisoners) – we thank you [Abbas] for the gesture, which is appreciation for the sector considered the most important and essential in confronting this occupation for the last 51 years."

Jibril Rajoub also holds the following positions: Chairman of the Palestinian Football Association, Chairman of the Palestine Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Palestinian Scout Association (PSA).