Khaled Abu Helal told a news conference in Gaza that some criminals are trying to foment security employees, whose salaries have been overdue for at least two weeks, to rob banks and government facilities.

"We understand the urgent need of employees to get their salaries paid, but we should also understand that some parties are trying to punish the Palestinian people for their democratic choice," Abu Helal said.

Meanwhile, he warned of attacks targeting police, saying that "the era of attacking police had come."

He called on the Palestinians to protect the police, asserting that "we will not allow criminals to assault security men, and the police have the complete right to defend themselves. We strongly warn those suspected criminals against attacking police or security forces."

About 150,000 government employees were not paid in March, after the government announced a financial crisis.

The United States and the European Union cut off financial aid to the Palestinian government following Hamas took office in March. Israel has also halted the monthly transfer of about 50 million U.S. dollars of tax revenues it collects on behalf of the PNA since Hamas won the parliamentary elections in January. The Palestinians have been largely dependent on financial aid from the West.