GAZA CITY, Gaza strip — Qatar’s ambassador to the Palestinian territories, Mohammed al-Emadi, visited Nov. 9 al-Awda refugee camp in the Gaza Strip during Great Return March activities for the first time since the Friday marches began in March.
Emadi had arrived in Gaza a day earlier through the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, bringing suitcases stuffed with cash — $15 million — as part of a Qatari grant to help alleviate the dire economic situation facing residents. This grant aims to pay the wages of civil servants in the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip, as well as to develop employment projects for college graduates. It is just one of many grants planned. More aid is being provided for energy-related projects. Qatari fuel arrived Nov. 10 to the Gaza Electricity Distribution Company as part of efforts to resolve the power crisis plaguing Gaza.
Israel allowed Qatar to deliver the funds to the Gaza Strip after several discussions among Arab and regional parties. The Higher National Commission for the Great Return March and Breaking the Siege stated Nov. 9 that return marches are ongoing thanks to the Qatari grant. Israel, however, believes the money is supposed to help ease tensions with Gaza.
The Great Return March protests began March 30 near the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, and aim to end the siege Israel has imposed since 2007 and fulfill the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their pre-1948 homeland. These marches have resulted in violence and a tense political situation between Palestinians and Israelis.
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