WASHINGTON: The United States reacted cautiously yesterday to a visit to Gaza by the Emir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, calling it a humanitarian mission and denouncing the destabilising role of Hamas in the Palestinian territory.
“We have seen the reports that Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa visited Gaza today on a humanitarian mission,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said. “We share Qatar’s deep concern for the welfare of the Palestinian people, including those residing in Gaza.”
Personalities like the UN Secretary General or European foreign ministers who have visited Gaza have avoided all contact with Hamas, because of its refusal to recognise Israel and renounce armed struggle.
Nuland indicated that Qatar had not given the United States advance warning of the emir’s visit.
“We of course remain concerned about Hamas’ destabilising role in Gaza and the region. And we urge all parties in the region to play a constructive role in bringing the Palestinians and the Israelis back to the negotiating table,” she said. AFP
