The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Finance on Wednesday transferred financial aid to seven universities, the PA education minister said.

Ali al-Jarbawi said that Al-Najah University, Bethlehem University, Al-Istiqlal Academy, Bir Zeit, Hebron, the Open University and Palestinian polytechnic will all receive the funding, designed to alleviate the financial crisis affecting universities.

The total amount of funding to be divided between the seven universities is 4.7 million shekels ($1.1 million).

PA financial support for university and college staff will be paid after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, al-Jarbawi said.

The education minister thanked institutions of higher learning for their patience and understanding in the face of a financial crisis affecting the PA.