Thousands of Palestinian Authority (PA) employees in the Gaza Strip protested the PA government’s decision to cut their salaries by approximately 30%.
After Hamas Movement took over Gaza in 2007 the PA ordered some 50000 of its employees in the Strip not to report to work. Most did not return to work in the Hamas-controlled government institutions and have continued to receive salaries from the PA and now the government is cutting their salaries.
The protesters chanted angry slogans demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Rami al-Hamdallah. “Salaries are a red line” a sign held by a protester said.
Ala Naim secretary general of doctors’ office in Gaza told the PIC reporter that the salary cut decision is unfair and expressed his refusal of the PA discrimination policy pursued when dealing with Gaza.
He also refuted the PA claim that Gaza employees work in private projects by saying “it is not true” especially with the lack of income sources due to the siege.
The protesters expressed their outrage at the PA in Ramallah for ignoring the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip who have been suffering from the Israeli blockade for more than ten years.
