GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The Hamas government in Gaza said Sunday it will give small grants to citizen-led projects in the coastal enclave.

In a meeting of professional associations in Gaza, vice premier Ziyad al-Thatha said the grants would be up to $10,000 and citizens should submit project ideas to the government.

Al-Thatha said Gaza's government was financially self-sufficient, allowing it to be politically independent, a clear dig at the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority which is struggling with a financial crisis after donor funds fell short and Israel seized tax revenues.