Qatar, Once Cut Off by Arab States, Wields Influence and Aid in Blockaded Gaza
On 5/27/21 at 4:29 PM EDT
Qatar, a small wealthy monarchy long subject to an embargo by a quartet of influential Arab states, has wielded both influence and assistance to the blockaded Gaza Strip, a Palestinian enclave whose fighters, led by the Hamas movement, recently engaged in an 11-day conflict with surrounding Israel.
In a phone call Thursday with his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked the Foreign Minister for Qatar s assistance in helping to secure the ceasefire between Israel, Hamas, and other parties in Gaza, and underscored the importance of bringing together international support for humanitarian and development efforts in Gaza.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a telephone call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has said Qatar will pursue efforts together with other nations to help stop Israeli attacks against Palestinians and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the state news agency QNA reported.
An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which rules the besieged Gaza Strip, came in effect on Friday morning to end the 11-day fighting.
Abbas briefed the emir on developments related to the ceasefire “and the efforts to rebuild the Gaza Strip, expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation to HH the Emir for the role of the State of Qatar and its efforts in support of the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate national rights”, the QNA said on Saturday.
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