Qatari leader visits Gaza

October 26, 2012

The Emir of, , has become the first leader to visit the  since its occupation by  in 1967.

He entered the strip by car from, to an enthusiastic welcome by Gazans.

The Qatari leader pledged 400 million for construction projects. Much of the strip's infrastructure was destroyed by Israeli bombing in 2008.



The Emir of Qatar called for unity of the various groups. Speaking at Gaza's, he asked, "Why are you staying divided?" "There are no peace negotiations, and there is no clear strategy of resistance and liberation. Why shouldn't brothers sit together and reconcile?"

Prime Minister said the visit demonstrated Gaza is "not alone" and broke Israel's blockade of Gaza. Israel regards Hamas as a terrorist group. President contacted the emir directly to point out the international community recognizes Mr Abbas as the Palestinian leader.

Spokesman Yigal Palmor for Israel's said, "This is more than strange, especially since Hamas is internationally recognized as a terror group. By hugging Hamas publicly, the emir of Qatar has thrown peace under the bus."

Qatar has been active internationally in recent years. The emir founded the international  news network. Qatar has negotiated in and with the. There is also an America in Qatar. The country also maintains contacts in Islamic politics and scholarship.

Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world at $88,000.