Doha has increased its investment in rebuilding Gaza to $400m from $254m, the Gaza Hamas Premier said on Tuesday following a landmark visit by the Qatari Emir.
HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the first Arab leader to visit the Strip since 1967. The Gulf Arab state has been actively supportive of rebuilding efforts in the troubled region, having already put out project tenders in the city.
“The Emir agreed to increase the Qatari investment from $254m to $400m,” Prime Minister Ismail Haniya said during a press conference in Khan Younis in Southern Gaza to mark the Emir’s visit.
Sheikh Hamad will inaugurate and open Qatari funded rehabilitation projects during his visit. This will include the launch of the Rafah Crossing, followed by the opening of the Sheikh Hamad Residential City in Khan Younis. He will also lay the foundation stone for the paving of Salah al-Din Street and inaugurate the Gaza Prosthetic Hospital.