The Hamas says it is currently facing difficulties in paying the salaries of 50,000 public sector employees in Gaza strip.
Officials have cited a delay in the monthly payroll grant from Qatar, a significant aid donor to the impoverished Palestinian enclave, as one of the contributing factors to the situation.
The salary crisis has led to an unusual surge of criticism on social media platforms, with even some of Hamas’ own employees expressing their discontent.
The situation has been compounded by a decline in tax revenue and an increase in spending, further exacerbating the challenges faced by Hamas.
The majority of Gaza’s population, consisting of 2.3 million residents, lives in poverty, and the local economy relies heavily on foreign aid.
Qatar has been a significant contributor, providing hundreds of millions of dollars since 2014 for various construction projects.
Currently, Qatar pays $30 million per month to support families, provide fuel for electricity, and assist in paying public sector salaries in Gaza.
Hamas officials have reported that no salary aid has been received since a portion of a $5-million grant designated for supporting the May payroll. The reason for the delay remains unclear at this time.
“We are making significant efforts to pay the salaries, and we hope to do so at the end of this week,” Awni Al-Basha, the Hamas-appointed deputy minister, told Hamas Aqsa radio.
According to Basha, the monthly payroll expenses for Hamas amount to 125 million shekels ($34.5 million).
Since Hamas, an organization that opposes peace with Israel, assumed control in 2007, Gaza has been subjected to an Israeli-Egyptian blockade.
Public sector employees in Gaza have not received full salaries since 2013.
“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.”