PA to Continue Discounting Allocations, if Hamas Not Committed to Reconciliation, Says Abbas

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Ramallah, MINA – Head of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Mahmoud Abbas said on Saturday that the halt of financial allocations for the Gaza Strip will continue if Hamas is not committed to benefits of the reconciliation, KUNA reported.

Addressing hundreds of citizens of Jerusalem in Ramallah Saturday evening, Abbas added that the authority would gradually continue discounting allocations, if matters do not go as planned.

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“We have been paying USD 1.5 billion annually to the Strip, making up 50 percent of the budget, for many years,” he said.

“It is our duty to pay this money and we have continued doing this for the sake of the national unity,” he added.

Several meetings were held for reaching a national unity, but Hamas has taken another way for some months, through forming a new government although there is a Palestinian government.

He reiterated that Jerusalem is an eternal capital of the Palestinian state.

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Meanwhile, Hamas affirmed that it would exert efforts for a successful reconciliation and the national unity so as to end the current split.

However, it condemned remarks by Abbas on continued discount of money allocated to the Strip.

Commenting on the remarks, Hamas said in a press statement that it would remain a protective shield for the unity of the Palestinian people, and make efforts for a successful reconciliation.

It said Abbas’ remarks undermine reconciliation efforts, adding that they indicate to bad intentions towards the residents of the Strip. (T/RS5/RS1)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agecy (MINA)