Palestinians Protest Pay Delay

In a major sign of discontent with the Hamas-led government, dozens of masked Palestinian policemen blocked a main road in the Gaza Strip on Saturday and briefly seized a government building to protest a delay in receiving their salaries.

The outburst reflected a growing sense of desperation as already impoverished Palestinians feel the sting of the new government’s economic isolation.

Western nations have cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority, demanding that the militant group leading it renounce violence and recognize Israel’s right to exist. Israel has halted the monthly transfer of about $55 million in taxes it collects on behalf of the Palestinians.

The U.S. government also has barred Americans from most business dealings with the Palestinian government. Hamas is responsible for scores of suicide bombings and other attacks on Israelis in recent years.

Russia, however, has pledged urgent financial assistance to the Hamas-led government, Moscow said late Friday. It did not specify the amount.

The Palestinian government already is two weeks late in paying the March salaries of its 140,000 employees, and it is unclear when it might have the needed funds. The Palestinian Authority is the largest employer in the West Bank and Gaza, sustaining about one-third of the population.

Upset at the salary delays, about 50 armed policemen paralyzed the central Gaza town of Khan Yunis by blocking the main road there, forcing workers from northern Gaza to get out of their cars and walk more than half a mile to get into town.

Those heading to the southern town of Rafah had to take back roads.

The police also stormed the local government building, taking positions on the roof and on balconies and firing into the air. They left peacefully after speaking to local government officials.