PA Fund Cut-Offs Beginning to Have Effect

If we really needed to have positive indications as to how the Palestinians would react to a government run by a money-starved Hamas, we are starting to see the first hint of things to come. From ABCNews/AP

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip Apr 15, 2006 (AP)— Palestinian police sealed off a main road and briefly stormed a government building in this central Gaza town of Khan Younis on Saturday, angered by the Hamas-led government's failure to pay them.

The gunmen surrounded the building where town councilors have their offices, taking positions on the roof and on balconies and firing in the air. They left peacefully after holding talks with local government officials.

The protest was the first sign of serious discontent with the new government since it took office two weeks ago, and it reflected a growing sense of desperation in the streets of Gaza as the already impoverished Palestinians begin to feel the economic repercussions of Hamas' rise.

Western nations have cut off aid to the cash-starved Palestinian Authority, demanding Hamas renounce violence and recognize Israel's right to exist. Israel also halted the monthly transfer of about $55 million in taxes it collects on behalf of the Palestinians.

The election of Hamas by the Palestinians may have been a good thing after all. It has forced other countries into a new strategy, one that should have been employed all along.

If Hamas is going to stay in power, force the Islamic and Arab countries to foot the entire bill for Palestinian governance. We shall see just how committed these Islamic countries are to making certain of the human condition of the "displaced" people.

Found via The Religion of Peace.