GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani unexpectedly ordered the disbursal of the July salaries of around 50,000 employees of Gaza’s former government. The disbursement of an estimated 113 million Qatari riyals ($31 million), ordered July 21, is intended to alleviate the financial crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The employees of Gaza’s former government have been receiving a monthly advance payment that ranges from 1,200 to 4,500 shekels ($311-$1,168) since early 2014 following the financial crisis that Gaza’s former government faced. The Palestinian consensus government refused to recognize them as official staff, as they were employed following the Palestinian split and Hamas’ control of the Gaza Strip in 2007. The Ministry of Finance in Gaza ensures the advance payment from tax levies and some foreign financial aid.
