Palestinian PM: Israel refuses to release Palestinian funds

Figures published by the Palestinian Ministry of Finance have revealed that the Israeli authorities have illegally deducted around 7.6 bn shekels from Palestinian tax revenues and have refused to return the funds, Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa 's Office said today.

It added that since October, the Israeli authorities have deducted around 2.8 bn shekels, claiming that the funds are being allocated to Gaza.

According to the office, the Israeli authorities deduct 257 m shekels on a monthly basis as a punitive measure against the Palestinian Authority (PA) to push it stop paying salaries to public employees working in Gaza.

"Despite this, the Government of Palestine remains steadfastly committed to fulfilling its obligations and responsibilities. It continues to pay partial salaries to public employees in Gaza on par with those in the West Bank, including Jerusalem," Mustafa said in a statement.