**Hamas’s Secret System of Paying Government Salaries**
In a surprising move, the Hamas government in Gaza continues to use a secret system of cash payments to pay its civil servants. The BBC recently spoke to three employees who confirmed that they had received nearly $300 each as part of this token salary.
The payment is a fraction of what the full amount would be, and it’s not just about the money. Receiving a salary in Gaza can be a difficult and dangerous task due to the lack of a functioning banking system. Israel targets Hamas’s salary distributors in an effort to disrupt the group’s ability to govern.
**”Every Time I Pick Up My Salary, I Say Goodbye to My Family”**
One employee, Alaa, shared his harrowing experience. “I know that I might not return,” he said, reflecting on the risks involved in collecting his salary. Israeli strikes have targeted salary distribution points several times, and Alaa has even survived a strike that hit a busy market in Gaza City.
**The Struggle to Survive**
Alaa’s story highlights the struggles of living in Gaza, where even receiving a basic income can be a challenge. He received 1,000 Shekels (about $300) in worn-out banknotes, but only 200 shekels were usable. The rest was useless.
“I am often forced to go to distribution points to get some flour to feed my kids,” Alaa said. “I sometimes succeed in bringing some flour home, but I usually fail.” His experience is a testament to the dire situation in Gaza, where aid and resources are scarce.
**Accusations of Misusing Aid**
There have been accusations that Hamas has misused aid meant for civilians during the recent Israel-Gaza war. The Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, was accused by Israeli media of stealing funds intended for humanitarian purposes. A senior official from the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood also claimed that Hamas had stolen significant amounts of aid.
**”Are They the Cause of Our Suffering?”**
These allegations raise questions about the role of Hamas in perpetuating the suffering of civilians in Gaza. Why didn’t Israel secure food, medicine, and water before embarking on a war? The situation is complex, and there are no easy answers.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
