RAMALLAH, April 8, 2017 (WAFA) – The government confirmed on Saturday that it has been following a harsh financial austerity program since 2016.

Government spokesman Yousef al-Mahmoud said in a statement that the government started this program that affected all its sectors since 2016 and it is continuing with it this year.

He said the austerity was necessary following a sharp drop in donor aid, which reached 70 per cent of what used to reach the Palestinian budget.

Mahmoud said the financial austerity program was implemented in the security, which witnessed a cut of 25 per cent in its budget, including 17 per cent cut in administrative expenditure and 8 per cent cut from the budget of the security forces that are under the command of the Ministry of Interior.

The spokesman said he made this statement to respond to those who questioned government statements and intentions regarding cuts in salaries, particularly cuts related to the security forces, saying some parties try to misguide and mislead the Palestinian public.

M.K.