Report: Sources Say Funds From Saudi Arabia and UAE Facilitated Gaza Cease-Fire
by News Editor
Globes – Defense sources say that, behind the scenes, what made the cease-fire and the return to the negotiating table in Cairo possible, was Saudi and United Arab Emirates (UAE) involvement, and their willingness to contribute funds towards the rehabilitation of Gaza. One of the sources emphasized that Hamas insisted that Qatar contribute funds for Gaza rehabilitation. However, because Jerusalem and Cairo are wary of Qatar’s increasing influence in the Gaza Strip, under the leadership of Hamas political chairman Khaled Mashal, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were recruited for the project of rebuilding the Gaza Strip after Operation Protective Edge.
The source noted that this process is expected to weaken Qatar and Hamas’ influence abroad, with regards to what goes on in Gaza. According to the source, the Saudi funds are contingent upon Saudi oversight, so that the funds will not be used to build tunnels or for military purposes, but only for the welfare of the residents.