Qatar has vowed $500 million in support of Gaza reconstruction days after Hamas, the ruler of the Palestinian enclave and Israeli agreed a cease fire to end 11 days of new conflict.
Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani Wednesday announced the aid, under the directive of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“We will continue to support the brothers in Palestine in order to reach a just and lasting solution by establishing an independent state in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant international legitimacy references,” the minister said on Twitter.
Hamas and Israel reached last week Thursday a ceasefire brokered by Egypt to end 11 days of open conflict between two sides.
Israel airpower and artillery pounded Gaza after Hamas launched missiles and rockets into Israel in reaction to Israeli security forces violence against Palestinian families who protested against their eviction from their homes in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah to make way for Jewish families.
The Israeli assault killed more than 250 Palestinians including 66 children, and wounded more than 1,900 people. The raids drew international outcry after they also targeted international media offices.
Hamas rockets claimed the lives of 13 people in Israel including one child and teenager, an Israeli soldier, one Indian national and two Thai workers, Times of Israel reports.
The announcement of the Qatari grant comes a few days after Sheikh Tamim received Hamas chief leader, Ismail Haniyeh to discuss Gaza reconstruction after the hostilities.
Qatar’s promise followed that of Egypt, $500 million, made by President Abdelfattah al-Sisi for the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory.
Qatar pledges $500m for Gaza reconstruction
