Finance Minister: We are fighting a monthly battle to secure part of the employees' salaries

Ramallah - Afaq News - Finance and Planning Minister Istifan Salama stated that the National Authority needs exceptional international financial and political support, amid the continued withholding of clearance funds for the seventeenth month and the escalating assaults by the occupation and settlers.

Salama explained in an interview with "Voice of Palestine" radio that the countries participating in the international meeting regarding Palestine have sent strong political messages, but these have not yet been translated into practical steps, calling for not waiting for the results of the Israeli elections and taking immediate actions to support the National Authority and rebuild Gaza.

In this context, Salama mentioned that some countries have made new commitments to support Palestine, but these are still insufficient given the exceptional phase the Palestinian economy is going through, emphasizing the need for real financial support and the implementation of practical steps.

He clarified that the government is engaged in a monthly battle to secure part of the salaries of employees, confirming that 50% represents the minimum, while more than 51% of employees receive 80% of their salaries or more, noting that its monthly needs amount to about one and a half billion shekels, while only about 800 to 850 million shekels are available to cover part of the salaries and basic services.

He added that the government continues to manage its resources carefully to ensure the continuity of the health, education, security, and social services sectors, calling on the international community to pressure Israel to fulfill its obligations and the signed agreements.

Regarding the upcoming meeting of Arab finance ministers in Abu Dhabi, Salama expressed hope that the meeting would provide an opportunity to enhance Arab financial support for Palestine, noting that he will hold meetings with several Arab finance ministers to discuss the Palestinian financial situation and ways to provide further assistance in light of the current circumstances.