The United States and Israel have long condemned the payment of stipends to families of Palestinian prisoners involved in attacks on Israel.

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - President Mahmoud Abbas faced criticism from allies and foes alike on Tuesday over a decree overhauling payments to families of Palestinians killed or jailed by Israel, a move to satisfy a U.S. demand that will likely deepen his unpopularity.

For years, the US government has pressured the Palestinian Authority overseeing parts of the West Bank to end a program that pays stipends to families of Palestinians involved in attacks on Israel. Dubbed "pay for slay" by Israelis,

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has issued a decree on Monday revoking the system of payments to families of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails or to families of Palestinians who were killed or wounded during attacks against Israelis.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a decree overturning a system of payments to the families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed by Israeli forces that has been a longstanding source of friction with the United States.