Iran To Pay Families Of Killed Palestinians

Iran says it will pay thousands of dollars to the families of Palestinians killed during protests or while attacking Israelis on the streets.

Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Fathali told reporters in Beirut on February 24 that every family of "a martyr of the intifada in Jerusalem" would be paid the equivalent of $7,000.

He added that Iran will also offer $30,000 and a monthly stipend to every family whose home has been demolished by Israeli forces because of a family member's participation in the street violence in Israel.

The Palestinian attacks have killed 28 Israelis and a U.S. citizen since October, while at least 168 Palestinians have been killed in the violence protesting Israeli occupation of the West Bank.

Israeli officials say 111 of those Palestinians were killed while attacking -- usually with a knife -- Israeli soldiers or citizens.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the statement "demonstrates again Iran's role in encouraging terror."

"Following the [international] nuclear agreement [that Tehran signed with six world powers last year], Iran continues to be a major player in international terror," it added.

Israeli army bulldozers on February 23 tore down the homes of two Palestinians who killed five people in attacks in the occupied West Bank and Israel last year.

Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa