Qatari crisis could spell new trouble for Gaza
Gulf nation has poured hundreds of millions into Hamas-ruled territory
KHAN YUNIS, PALESTINIAN TERRITORY— Qatar, one of the few foreign backers of Hamas, faces massive pressure from its Gulf neighbours to cut ties with the Islamic militant group. If it does, the result could be disastrous for Hamas-ruled Gaza.
Qatar has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in roads, housing and a major hospital in the tiny territory. Its infrastructure projects are one of the few job-creators in a devastated economy.
Gaza already suffers from an Israeli-Egyptian blockade, widespread destruction from a string of IsraelHamas wars, economic misery and chronic electricity shortages. For Hamas, Qatar’s money is a vital lifeline bolstering its rule.
Qatar appears to be weighing its options. The mere prospect of losing Qatari support prompted Hamas on Wednesday to issue rare criticism of Saudi Arabia, which has been leading the campaign against its tiny Gulf neighbour.
Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states cut ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting violent Islamist groups across the region. Qatar has denied the allegations. But its small size and reliance on food imports from Saudi Arabia could make it susceptible to the pressure.
This could spell trouble for Hamas. The group is considered a terrorist group by Israel and its Western allies. Qatar doesn’t support Hamas directly, but its large-scale projects have significantly eased the burden on Hamas authorities.
In 2012, Qatar’s then-emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, announced a grant of $550 million for humanitarian projects. The grant is being used to build a housing complex of 3,000 units. As Hamas marks its 10th anniversary in power, the situation is grim. The territory suffers from rolling power cuts, with just four hours of electricity at a time, followed by 14-18 hours of outages. Tap water is undrinkable, youth unemployment is estimated at 60 per cent. Thousands wait for a rare chance to exit the blockaded territory.
This week, a high-level Hamas delegation was summoned to neighbouring Egypt, which has had cool relations with Hamas. “If these talks don’t lead to new understandings getting Hamas out of its difficult political situation, I think there will be more crises,” he said.
One person who could benefit from Hamas’ troubles is Abbas, who has repeatedly failed in talks with Hamas to regain control of Gaza.
Abbas recently reduced the salaries of his former employees in Gaza and threatened to scale back payments for Gaza’s electricity — attempts to pressure Hamas. Abbas’ government, which maintains good ties with Qatar, has not commented on the latest crisis.