Palestinians Reject Partial Tax Fund Transfers from Israel

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh confirmed today, Monday, that the Palestinian Authority will not accept the transfer of part of the tax funds from Israel, which is withholding amounts designated for administrative expenses in Gaza. Shtayyeh stated, "This is a political decision aimed at separating Gaza from the West Bank, and we will not allow this nor accept this separation. Gaza is an integral part of our national fabric. This money belongs to our people, and we will continue to demand it all until we receive it. There has been international intervention in this matter, and we hope it will yield the desired results in the coming days." He expressed hope that international pressure would lead to a swift transfer of funds collected by Israel in occupied areas of the West Bank, which are paid to the Palestinian Authority under a long-standing arrangement between the two sides. Part of these funds goes to cover expenses in Gaza, including salaries for health workers, which the Palestinian Authority continues to bear despite Hamas's control over the besieged territory.