Hamas representative: corruption in Palestinian authority exceeded 3 billion dollars

Osama Hamdan, the Hamas Movement representative in Lebanon did not reveal details on the Algerian endeavour led by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for mediation between the Palestinian Hamas and Fath movements.

He justified his discretion by being afraid that the endeavour and efforts would be foiled.

“Algeria’s move comes from its impartial position,” Osama Hamdan told Echorouk on Monday.

 Hamas representative said he had submitted an official demand to increase the Algerian financial support portion to the Palestinian issue.

  “Algerian authorities are required to recover its roles in the Palestinian issue,” he added.

He believes that Algeria would have a strong impact on the issue.

The meeting which was held between Osama Hamdan and Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem was an opportunity to know the nature of the embargo on Gaza and the real Palestinian position in the fight against the occupation forces.

According to Osama Hamdan, the Palestine Liberation Organisation must be restructured to ensure control on Arab aid and financial support for the Palestinian authorities.

“Hamas has always been concerned about the protection of this money and how to ensure its transmission.”

 “There are big problems which prevent the Arab support of reaching the ones who deserve it.” 

The Palestinian representative suggested diversifying ways to transmit the Arab support to Palestinians. “Civil society and non-governmental organisations can be a canal to pass on the support.”

 “The support which passes by the Palestinian Liberation Organisation is intended to the Liberation Organisation and not to the government,” he added.

He believes that new mechanisms to control aid money in Palestine will likely put an end to corruption.

“Attorney General in Palestine has opened an investigation in 50 corruption cases in this regard with a total of $3 billion.”

“Islamic scholars have to criminalise terrorism and defend the Resistance”  

Osama Hamdan expressed his disappointment over recent statements of 2 Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri who criminalised Palestinian missiles.

He called on Arab scholars to determine terms and put clear concepts to make the difference between the term of terrorism and people’s endeavour for their self-determination.

 He condemned such statements which criminalise the Palestinian resistance and its missiles on the occupiers. “Al-Zawahiri’s statements reflect a vision or method flaw or misunderstanding of reality,” he said.  

Hamas present in 17 Arab cities 

Hamas representative said its movement which had been suffering from an Arab and international embargo since the June’s events manages its internal affairs from many aspects.

“Hamas is present in 17 Arab cities and it receives support from Islamic countries. However, the Arab support is still minimal due to the US pressures.”

 According to him, promises were made in the March’s Arab Summit to offer aid to the movement. “Still, there is a need to have a clear work mechanism to translate those promises into reality.” 

Osama Hamdan denied reports which said Hamas’ officials had been prevented of entering some Arab cities.

“Each country has its own circumstances and its way to support Palestinians.”

 “The movement does not involve any Arab nor Islamic country as it is an outlaw movement according to the Americans and their allies,” he added.  

Figures and casualties

 ·       A total of 76 percent of Gaza’s residents are living below the poverty line.

·       A total of 1,600 are jobless.

·       A total of 4,000 agricultural and industrial farms stopped from working.