Gaza employees receive partial salaries, as Qatar grant delayed

Palestinian government employees in Gaza, who are to benefit from a Qatari grant, received payment of their salary from the government treasury due to the delay of the Qatari money, Al-Resalah newspaper reported yesterday.

The Ministry of Finance stated that it is paying 40 per cent of the salaries with a minimum payment of 1,200 shekels ($350).

Three month ago, Qatar announced a $150 million grant to the Gaza Strip, including $90 million for the salaries of civil employees in the enclave and $60 million for fuel payment to ensure the continued operation of the sole electricity plant in Gaza.

Israel accepted transferring the grant in November and December 2018, but has been reluctant to allow January’s payment through on “security” grounds.

The grant came as a result of truce understandings agreed between the Palestinian resistance in Gaza, Egypt, Qatar and Israel.

However, Israel has been violating these understandings by not fulfilling its pledges to facilitate the siege, improve the movement of Palestinian people and goods and end its aggression.

READ: Israel allows transfer of Qatari cash to Gaza