The Palestinian Authority (PA) started taking punitive measures against the Gaza Strip in April, notably reducing the salaries of government employees, no longer transferring funds to certain ministries such as the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, and cutting the purchase of fuel to operate Gaza’s sole power plant. The international community remained silent and showed no overt interference to put an end to the repercussions of these measures on the deteriorating living conditions in Gaza.

However, the Palestinian media recently spoke of pressure exerted by European countries on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to stop these harsh measures against the Gaza Strip.

On Aug. 30, a Palestinian source told Alsaa8 on condition of anonymity that Abbas' reduction of some punitive measures against Gaza was due to pressure exerted by the European Union. On Aug. 26, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah decided, with Abbas' approval, to allow about 6,000 workers in the educational sector of Gaza to return to their jobs after the government forced them into early retirement on July 4.

Meanwhile, on Aug. 29, Hamas-affiliated radio station Al-Aqsa Voice reported that Abbas had asked for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, but the latter reportedly refused to meet due to Abbas’ sanctions against Gaza that have damaged vital sectors such as education, health and infrastructure.