Fayyad: No solution to Qassam issue

Palestinian prime minister says does not believe solution to Qassam attacks exists. Laments detachment of West Bank from Gaza: 'All we can do is transfer funds'

Roee Nahmias|Published: 04.05.08 , 16:49

"There is no solution for the troubles in Gaza, or for the rockets being fired from it," Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said in an interview for Kuwaiti journal al-Rai on Saturday. "All we can do is transfer funds to the Gaza Strip."

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Fayyad was referring to the detachment of the West Bank from Gaza following the hostile takeover of the coastal territory by Hamas, and to his authority's helplessness in remedying the situation. "We can do nothing but transfer the clerks' salaries and relief funds through the banks. We have tried numerous times to resolve this issue," he said.

Regarding the economic situation of the Palestinian Authority, Fayyad, the former finance minister of the PA, remarked: "What you hear about the rate of 40% unemployment in Gaza is untrue. In actuality the rate is much higher. Because of the siege people have become frustrated, and have not been seeking employment."

"If we had not transferred the clerks' salaries the situation would have deteriorated to a general social disaster," he continued.

Fayyad met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak 10 days ago. During the meeting Barak informed Fayyad of the forthcoming gestures Israel plans to offer the PA, including an increase of entry permits for Palestinians working in Israel, movement permits, and privileges for Palestinian businessmen.

In addition, Israel plans to promote joint economic projects, remove road blocks, and transfer 300 vehicles to PA employees. Besides the Israeli venture, Fayyad's government also received $150 million from the US, which constitutes a small part of the $7.7 billion donated to the PA globally.