The Palestinian Finance Ministry began today to pay $300 to 160,000 government employees who have not received their salaries since March.
The Palestinian treasury was replenished in the last month with millions of dollars transferred to the Gaza Strip by friends of Hamas, in particular government officials. Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar, for example, returned 10 days ago to the Strip with six suitcases filled with $20 million cash that he received from Iran.
It is believed that $150 million had been transferred in Gaza in the last month. Gaza banks are refusing to allow the money to be deposited and millions of dollars are being kept under heavy guard in one of Hamas’ headquarters.
The paychecks are being distributed through the Palestinian government post offices.