Latest update: 26/10/2012 

- Gaza Strip - Hamas - Israel - Palestinian Authority - Qatar


Qatari Emir pays controversial visit to Gaza

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The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, has visited Gaza. The ruling party there, Hamas, is considered by some parts of the international community to be a terrorist group and the Emir's arrival there is being seen as legitimising the movement. The event saw Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas snubbed and not invited to attend, showing that the "gulf" between Gaza and the West Bank has deepened further.

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By Kate WILLIAMS / Laure MANENT
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