Times Square in New York City became the latest stage for an international message condemning the Palestinian Authority’s financial support for terrorists. On February 13, 2026, large digital billboards displayed images of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas alongside text accusing the PA of paying over $300 million annually to the families of militants killed or imprisoned by Israel.

The campaign, which prominently features messages urging an end to the so-called “pay-for-slay” policy, comes shortly after the Palestinian Authority announced plans to restructure these stipends amid a severe financial crisis. Israeli officials, however, dismissed the restructuring as a “fraudulent exercise,” arguing that the funds continue to incentivize attacks against Israeli citizens rather than support legitimate social services. 

The Times Square display aims to reach an international audience, emphasizing transparency about funding practices that Israel and supporters claim perpetuate violence. The visuals highlight both the monetary scale and the moral concerns associated with payments to families of individuals involved in deadly attacks, seeking to galvanize public opinion against the continuation of such programs.

Advocates of the campaign argue that public awareness can increase pressure on international institutions and donor countries to condition aid on the cessation of payments to terrorists. The message frames the issue as both a financial and ethical challenge, linking funding directly to ongoing security risks in the region.

The timing of the billboards coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts in February 2026 to encourage reform within the Palestinian Authority and monitor the redirection of financial resources amid political and economic instability. Observers note that high-profile campaigns in major cities such as New York are increasingly being used to influence global public opinion on matters of national security and counterterrorism.

By taking the debate to a public, highly visible venue like Times Square, the organizers aim to ensure that the topic receives international attention and that the alleged continuation of payments to terrorist families remains a point of scrutiny for policymakers, media, and the general public.