 GAZA CITY (AFP) - The armed wing of Hamas and three other groups have threatened Palestinian banks if they do not transfer salaries to civil servants, who remain unpaid since late February. "The national banks were created to serve the interests of the Palestinian people. If their mission has changed and they become an instrument of the siege we will treat them as those who besiege the Palestinians," the statement signed by Hamas's Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades said Sunday.
| Why don't you just rob them -- it'd be easier and more in your character. |
The other signatories were the Popular Resistance Committees and two cells that operate under the umbrella of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. "It is not normal for some of our institutions to become instruments of coercion against our people and apply the policy of deprivation plotted by our enemies," said the text. "We will not remain silent in face of those who starve our children," the joint statement added.
| The thought of changing course and backing off the jihad apparently hasn't yet occurred to them. |
The Palestinian Authority vowed on Saturday that civil servants will finally receive their salaries early next week amid growing discontent after months without pay and successive delays. It was the fourth time in a week that the Hamas-led government, grappling with a financial crisis after Western countries cut off direct aid, has promised the government's 160,000 civil servants imminent paychecks.
| And if it isn't the evils Joooos, 'Merkins and bankers, it will be someone else to blame. |
Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniya has himself blamed US pressure for the reason why banks have not transferred money for Palestinian salaries.
| Maybe the bankers know something you don't? |
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