Story perspectives

Surge in Welfare Applications Amid Protests in Palestine

12/16/2025

Center

Tamkeen Revives Welfare

Welfare stipend applications in Palestine surged after Tamkeen, the National Economic Empowerment Institution, revived.
Protests erupted against the Palestinian Authority amid allegations of mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
A report cited worsening conditions for Palestinian security prisoners, including 86 deaths in custody since October 7, 2023.
Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Finance Minister, resisted international pressure to reform the PA's payment system.

Right

Concert Canceled Amid Protests

The Concertgebouw canceled Shai Abramson's public concert after protests in Amsterdam targeted the Israeli Defense Forces' chief cantor, leading to violent clashes.
About 200 demonstrators gathered outside the Concertgebouw.
They chanted antisemitic slogans.
Dutch police arrested 22 individuals for offenses including resisting arrest.
Activists from Pal Action NL claimed responsibility for vandalizing the concert hall, accusing it of complicity in violence against Palestinians.

Left

Activists Demand Action

Protests in Stockholm, Sweden demanded an end to Israel's attacks on Gaza.
Activists called on the Swedish government to halt arms sales to Israel.
The Israeli government redirected 220 million shekels from social programs for Palestinian citizens to police and intelligence services.
Palestinian leaders criticized the move as undermining long-term social development amid rising crime rates.
The Abraham Initiatives NGO plans to challenge the funding cuts in court.

History

Historical Context

The First Intifada began on December 9, 1987, after an Israeli truck driver killed four Palestinians in Jabalia, igniting widespread protests against Israeli occupation. Led by the Unified National Leadership of the Uprising, the movement initially focused on non-violent resistance. By its conclusion in 1993, over 1,000 Palestinians had died, highlighting ongoing tensions and calls for reform in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Tamkeen Revives Welfare

Welfare stipend applications in Palestine surged after Tamkeen, the National Economic Empowerment Institution, revived.
Protests erupted against the Palestinian Authority amid allegations of mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
A report cited worsening conditions for Palestinian security prisoners, including 86 deaths in custody since October 7, 2023.
Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Finance Minister, resisted international pressure to reform the PA's payment system.

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