GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas said Wednesday that U.S. pressure foiled the latest attempt to pay 165,000 government workers by transferring money from abroad directly into their accounts.

Haniyeh also appealed to Arab nations to counter the U.S. moves.

Reflecting frustration over empty coffers, Haniyeh told a news conference that the Hamas-led government has raised money, but so far has not found a way to get it into the Palestinian areas.

Public sector salaries are two months late, largely because Israel and the West have frozen the transfer of funds to the Hamas-led government, branding Hamas a terrorist organization. The Palestinians need $116 million a month to pay salaries.

“We have given alternative suggestions and plans, including what has been reported about sending the lists of the employees to the Arab League to have a direct transfer to their accounts,” Haniyeh said. “We even faced American pressure to prevent the direct transfer.”

Haniyeh appealed to Arab leaders to face up to the Americans “to stop the siege imposed on the Palestinian people and to stop the political blackmail against the government.” He also called on Palestinian bankers to “show the necessary patriotism.”

Banks have been hesitant to handle funds for the Palestinian Authority for fear of U.S. sanctions.
seattlepi.nwsource.com

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