Palestinian Authority misused COVID-19 funds

As the COVID-19 crisis started, the Palestinian Authority started the Waqfet Ezz fund to help out people who lost their jobs or otherwise couldn't afford to pay their bills.

They raised money from the private sector - mostly businesses. Citizens were urged to donate as well, and the current mufti of Jerusalem announced that funds given would be considered zaqat (Islamic charity.) 

The board of directors of the Waqfet Ezz fund were rich businessmen who were expected to donate huge amounts.

Already last year, criticisms of the fund started.  Citizens felt that the government was responsible for helping the people and shouldn't push the issue of funding to the private sector. Only $13 million was raised in the first month. 10 of the 29 board members didn't give a dime. People felt that the board should include citizens from Gaza, from academia and from NGOs, instead of only rich businessmen who raised their own prices for goods to take advantage of the coronavirus.

Now, an audit shows that the Waqfet Ezz fund misused its limited funds, and gave aid to many people who didn't deserve it. Some people who made handsome salaries still snagged benefits, and some families had as many as seven members each apply for and receive benefits when it was meant on a per-family basis.

Where there is money, there is Palestinian corruption.

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