Skip to main content

Qatar's lifeline to Gaza

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Yousef al-Ghariz, adviser to the chair of the Qatari Committee for Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, discussed the ins and outs of the $400 million worth of projects the committee has implemented.
A member of Palestinian security forces loyal to Hamas stands guard as posters depicting Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (R) and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani are seen on a building during the opening ceremony of Qatari-funded construction project "Hamad City", in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip January 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa  - RTX22NXE
Read in 

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Yousef al-Ghariz, adviser to Mohammed al-Emadi, Qatar's ambassador to the Palestinian territories and head of the Qatari Committee for Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, told Al-Monitor that the committee is in constant communication with the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah to carry out its work in Gaza. He said the committee coordinates with Egypt and Israel on the delivery of raw materials for construction projects and discussed its involvement in addressing various emergencies in Gaza — in particular, paying the salaries of public sector employees and tackling the energy crisis.

Ghariz has served in government posts, including as Gaza minister of public works and housing for Hamas from 2012-14, as well as in academia, heading the Department of Engineering, Planning and Information Systems at Gaza’s University College of Applied Sciences. Ghariz has also headed the Environment Quality Authority.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.