Members of the Palestinian security services blocked streets and burned tyres in Gaza City as they protested over non-payment of salaries. Demonstrators stopped cars from entering the city's main shopping district and stores closed down.
Wassafi Batala, an officer in the national security service, said members had not been paid for six months. The Hamas-led Palestinian Authority has struggled to pay municipal salaries since it came to power in March. Mr Batala added that the Muslim festival, Eid el-Fitr, was taking place on Sunday and he complained that he and his colleagues had no money for the feast.
Tyres were burned close to the home of Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, while shop owners claimed that they were told to close down. An outbreak of shooting occurred in Gaza on Friday after rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah reached a deal to end factional fighting. |