Special to WorldTribune.com

RAMALLAH — Palestinian security forces have come under an economic boycott in the West Bank.

Palestinian sources said many businesses were no longer providing goods or services to Western-trained and -equipped PA police and security forces amid millions of dollars of debt.

“Many businesses have not seen money from the PA forces in months,” a source said.

Fuel suppliers have organized to impose a boycott on PA security forces, with about 30,000 officers.

The Union of Gasoline Station Owners in the West Bank said its members were owed $15.7 million over the last six months.

“On Feb. 2, the union notified security forces and the PA Finance Ministry that the debt must be paid by Feb. 15 to continue gas supplies,” Nizar Al Jabari, a union representative, said.

Al Jabari told the Palestinian news agency Maan that fuel stations have been unable to maintain supplies because of the PA debt. He did not say whether or when the PA Finance Ministry would begin repayment.

The sources said PA security forces routinely enter Palestinian stores in the West Bank and walk away with merchandise without payment. They said the PA has usually ignored the complaints, particularly against groups of officers.

  PA Finance Ministry, Ramallah, Union of Gasoline Station Owners, West Bank businesses cut credit for deadbeat Palestinian security forces