RAMALLAH
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas discussed on Saturday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, means of speeding up the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, following a 51-day Israeli offensive on it, Palestinian local media reported.
The official Palestinian news agency added that in a phone conversation Abbas also discussed with the Emir of Qatar the need for the international community to honor its commitments toward the residents of the Gaza Strip to bring their suffering to an end.
Abbas thanked Sheikh Tamim for the efforts his country made to help in reaching a crease-fire in Gaza, the news agency said.
Israel's 51-day onslaught on the Gaza Strip left some 2,147 Gazans dead and 11,000 others injured – many critically – while partially or completely destroying thousands of buildings across the coastal enclave.
The Israeli offensive finally ended with the announcement of an indefinite cease-fire that came into effect on Tuesday.
The cease-fire deal calls for opening all border crossings between the Gaza Strip and Israel – effectively ending the latter's seven-year blockade of the coastal territory.
According to the agreement's terms, Palestinian and Israeli negotiators will hold indirect negotiations on other core Palestinian demands – including the release of prisoners and the establishment of a Gaza seaport – after one month.
By Qais Abu Samra
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