GAZA CITY — Security forces are challenging the rule of the Palestinian
Authority which has failed to pay salaries.
PA officers have been organizing demonstrations meant to threaten the
rule of the new Hamas-led government. The officers have stormed PA buildings
and blocked roads as part of an escalating campaign against the government
of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.
"We warn this is only a first step,'' Abu Hassan, a leader of the
security officers, said.
On Saturday, PA officers blocked roads throughout the Gaza Strip in
demand of their salaries. Officials said this was the biggest protest by
police and security officers since Hamas won legislative elections on Jan.
25.
"If they don't have the ability to secure our salaries and guarantee
good living conditions for the people, they either have to step aside or ask
the people what the next step must be," Abu Hassan said. "They cannot act
alone."
The officers, chanting "Salaries or go home," blocked the main highway
that connected Gaza City to Rafah in the south. They also raided a
government building in Khan Yunis.
Security officers and other government employees have not received their
salaries for March amid a decision by the European Union and the United
States to sever funding to the Hamas-led PA. Haniyeh, who has reported a
$1.3 billion debt, has urged Arab and Islamic states to make up the
shortfall.
Israel has also refused to relay its monthly stipend of $55 million to
the PA. The stipend comprised of tax receipts paid by Palestinian laborers
in Israel.
The PA has about 140,000 employees. About half of them were said to be
members of the security forces.
"Everyone knows this is the result of the oppressive isolation that is
forced on the Palestinian people and the government," PA Finance Minister
Omar Abdul Razek said. "They all know that the account is empty and we don't
have enough to pay salaries."
