Palestinian Authority cuts off salaries of Hamas lawmakers in West Bank

The Palestinian Authority has cut off the salaries of Hamas lawmakers in the West Bank, the latest in a series of recent measures that have escalated tensions between the rival factions. President Mahmoud Abbas dissolved the 132-member assembly last month. Deputy Parliament Speaker Hassan Khreisheh said Wednesday that all but 48 lawmakers – mostly Hamas members – received their salaries this week. Palestinian officials aligned with Abbas’ Fatah movement have threatened further action against Hamas over its refusal to hand over power in Gaza, AP reported. The moves come even as Israel has sought to preserve calm in and around the blockaded territory.