RAMALLAH, September 27, 2026 (WAFA) – Minister of Finance and Planning, Istifan Salameh, stated that the Palestinian Authority needs exceptional international financial and political support, given the continued withholding of clearance revenues for the seventeenth consecutive month and the escalating attacks by the occupation and settlers.
In an interview with Voice of Palestine Radio, Salameh explained that the countries participating in the international meeting on Palestine delivered strong political messages, but these have not yet been translated into practical steps. He called for immediate action to support the Palestinian Authority and rebuild Gaza, rather than waiting for the results of the Israeli elections.
Meanwhile, Salameh said that some countries have made new pledges to support Palestine, but these remain insufficient given the exceptional circumstances facing the Palestinian economy. He stressed the need for genuine financial support and concrete steps.
He explained that the government is engaged in a monthly struggle to secure a portion of employee salaries, emphasizing that 50% represents the minimum wage, while more than 51% of employees receive 80% or more of their salaries. He noted that the government's monthly needs amount to approximately 1.5 billion shekels, while only about 800 to 850 million shekels are available to cover a portion of salaries and basic services.
He added that the government continues to manage its resources prudently to ensure the continuity of the health, education, security, and social services sectors, calling on the international community to pressure Israel to fulfill its obligations and abide by the signed agreements.
Regarding the upcoming meeting of Arab finance ministers in Abu Dhabi, Salameh expressed his hope that the meeting would provide an opportunity to bolster Arab financial support for Palestine. He indicated that he would be holding meetings with several Arab finance ministers to discuss the Palestinian financial situation and ways to provide further assistance under the current circumstances.
K.T
