Strike against "those behind the siege", not the government, governmental spokesman tells Palestinian workers

Demonstrations are turning violent (Ma'an)

August 31, 2006

Gaza - Ma'an – The Palestinian government is worried that the planned public sector strikes may turn against them, and start an internal Palestinian conflict. Spokesmen are telling the Palestinian demonstrators to direct their anger at Israel and "those who are behind the siege".

The spokesman for the ministry of the interior, Khalid Abu Hilal, warned on Thursday that the demonstrations by governmental employees may turn into an internal conflict that could "distort the Palestinian image".

The spokesman announced that they have received information about some elements who wish to use the protests as an excuse to attack governmental departments such as hospitals and schools. He said that many precautionary steps have been taken by the ministry to confront these groups, such as deploying police forces around various departments. He said that information had been received that some groups were planning to shoot at certain departments.

Abu Hilal stressed however that "the school year will start as scheduled".

"Whoever wants to protest peacefully", Abu Hilal said, "that is a personal freedom, but he should direct this protest at those who are the reason why the salaries are delayed and against those who are behind the siege imposed against the Palestinian people". Abu Hilal believes that the government is not responsible for the delay in the salaries, but Israel and the USA. He added that he believes that the protest should be held at the Beit Hanoun Crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

He continued, "If anyone is killed, his family should not ask why he was killed - the family should carry the responsibility - but they should ask, why the killed person was carrying a weapon and shooting, and they should question the attempts to create internal conflict or strife."

Abu Hilal told Ma'an that "the siege is political not economic, the solution to this problem is not to pay the salaries, but it includes everything". He said that what the government requires is political recognition and concessions in the national principals.