GAZA, June 1 (UPI) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of the Hamas-led government said his administration is sparing no effort to secure the salaries of security forces.
Commenting on demonstrations by members of Palestinian security forces to press for the payment of their salaries, Haniyeh blamed the deteriorating conditions in the Palestinian territories on the siege imposed since Hamas formed the new government after its victory in general elections.
"The problem of the salaries is the direct result of the siege imposed on the Palestinian people by powers in the international community," Haniyeh said.
"Unfortunately this constitutes a real suffering for our people but the government will assume its full responsibilities and is keen on preserving its security forces and enabling them to carry out their duties," he added.
Haniyeh stressed that the government will not be forced to make political concessions, underscoring the need to preserve national unity and internal security.
Thousands of members of security agencies gathered outside the parliament building in Gaza Thursday, pressing for the payment of their salaries which have been suspended for months.
The protesters, who are mostly affiliated with Fatah, shouted slogans denouncing the Hamas-led government as well as the special security force recently deployed in Gaza by the Interior Ministry.
They also expressed support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, holding his posters and brandishing placards that called on the government to end the siege and secure food and milk for their families.
A spokesman for the protestors said, "we say to the prime minister that if he cannot disburse our salaries, end disorder and rule properly, he should simply resign."
The United States and the European Union suspended direct financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority, partly used to pay the salaries of some 160,000 PA employees, after Hamas won January's general elections and formed the government.
