The State of Palestine

In our Seven Questions this week, FP spoke with Ziad Abu Zayyad, a former cabinet official for the Palestinian Authority. He gave us his take on Hamas's leaders, the prospects for peace, and whether Hamas has any real friends in the international community. The worst news? The Palestinian Authority's finances. FOREIGN POLICY: … How bad is the economic situation ...

In our Seven Questions this week, FP spoke with Ziad Abu Zayyad, a former cabinet official for the Palestinian Authority. He gave us his take on Hamas's leaders, the prospects for peace, and whether Hamas has any real friends in the international community. The worst news? The Palestinian Authority's finances.

In our Seven Questions this week, FP spoke with Ziad Abu Zayyad, a former cabinet official for the Palestinian Authority. He gave us his take on Hamas's leaders, the prospects for peace, and whether Hamas has any real friends in the international community. The worst news? The Palestinian Authority's finances.

FOREIGN POLICY: … How bad is the economic situation right now?

Ziad Abu Zayyad: The situation is deteriorating. There are about 140,000 employees whose lives depend on their salaries. Things are very bad.

Withholding financial aid is making Hamas more popular [among the Palestinians]. The problem is not the salaries. The problem is the occupation. We see the Israeli occupation as the reason for all of our problems. Even if the United States and the other countries were to withdraw [and allow funds to flow], it would be seen as a victory for Hamas. Hamas will say, “We told you that we would defeat them.”

Carolyn O'Hara is a senior editor at Foreign Policy.

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