PA plans to retire 7,000 security officers

Head of the Palestinian Pension Authority, Majid al-Helu, said on Wednesday that 7,000 security officers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip would be retired early in an attempt to reform and improve the performance of the services.

Al-Helu told the official Voice of Palestine Radio that “this step will complete previous measures that had been prepared years ago with no political motives.”

He explained that “this is the second group to be retired and may be followed by others.”

Al-Helu pointed out that at present the list of those who will be retired has not been disclosed. He noted that they will be paid 70 per cent of their salaries along with special bonuses, as was the case with the first group.

He added that the retirement is based on several criteria; including age, rank, and willingness to leave. Without giving any details, Al-Helu said the views of the heads of the security services will also be crucial in this regard.

Read: PA employees protest against forced early retirement