Palestinian Minister of National Economy Ala'a al-A'araj warned on
Thursday that the current aid-cutoff to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)
could lead to its collapse, Ramallah-based Al-Ayyam Daily reported.
"If the U.S. and other countries continue to implement their decisions to
halt aid to the Palestinian people and their government, then the PNA might
fall," the minister was quoted as saying.
"We can't get along without direct aid from the world, particularly fund for
the government's budget," al-A'araj said.
He was afraid that chaos might emerge in the poverty-stricken region if the
cutoff persists.
The PNA, which is now led by Hamas, has been facing a severe financial crisis
since Hamas came to power late in March.
Israel, which lists Hamas as a terrorist organization, has halted a monthly
transfer of over 50 million U.S. dollars of tax revenues it collects for the PNA
in order to press the militant faction to recognize Israel, renounce violence
and accept previous agreements.
The US and the EU also pressed Hamas to change its political agenda and meet
the three conditions or it would face financial and diplomatic isolation.
The Palestinian minister said that the cabinet is facing a shortage of up to
US$800 million.