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Hamas PM Says PA Coffers Empty

The Palestinian Authority`s prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh, acknowledged on Wednesday that the new Hamas-led government is broke. Haniyeh reportedly told his Cabinet that the Palestinian Authority will likely not be able to pay its 140,000 employees without help from Arab countries. Israel has withheld tens of millions of dollars in tax revenues from the Palestinians since the Hamas`, considered a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S., and the European Union, gained a surprising win elections this past January.

Western countries, including America and Canada, have withdrawn millions of dollars in foreign aid since the election of Hamas. The international community has said repeatedly that until Hamas recognizes previous agreements, accepts Israel`s right to exist, and totally renounces violence, any financial aid wiould not be reinstated. These countries have for the most part said that they would be willing to work with PA President Mahmoud Abbas, of the Fatah party.

Hamas has said in recent weeks that it would be able to pay the salaries of its workers with the help of Arab and Muslim nations. But now, Haniyeh said, promises of $55 million a month are "not enough". He announced that he would be sending Hamas ministers to Arab nations to ask for more funding. Countries expected to aid Hamas include Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, like Hamas publicly committed to Israel`s destruction.