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Hamas has been unable to pay the salaries of 50,000 public sector workers, provoking rare criticism in Gaza, on social media and even by some of Hamas’ own employees.
“With 60% (of salaries) we used to meet the basics of our needs at home. What happens when the salary is completely cut off?” said Mahmoud Al-Farra, an employee at the Hamas government media office. “This a big disappointment”, he added.
Others have questioned the authenticity of the crisis. “Where are the taxes they collect and the grants that enter Gaza go?” one resident posted on Facebook.
Hamas officials have partly attributed this to a delay in the receipt of Qatari financial assistance. According to Officials, no salary aid has been received since Doha sent just over half of a $5 million grant for the May payroll. With Gaza’s economy heavily reliant on foreign aid, Qatar sends $30 million per month to the Strip. This money pays for public sector wages, stipends for families and fuel for electricity, and helps prop up Hamas’ rule over the enclave.
“The government is going through a stifling and escalating financial crisis, with a continuous increase in the deficit month after month, which led to the delay of salaries this month”, Awni al-Basha, the Hamas-appointed deputy minister, told Hamas Aqsa radio. “We are making significant efforts to pay the salaries, and we hope to do so at the end of this week”, he said. He also revealed that Hamas’ monthly payroll costs are $34.5 million.
The situation has been exacerbated by a decline in tax revenue and an increase in spending.
Reportedly, public sector employees have not received full salaries since 2013.
