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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Reports that Emir of Qatar to visit Gaza this week

Palestinian Arabic media is reporting that the Emir of Qatar plans to make an official visit to Gaza before the end of the week.

If true, this would be the first visit by a national leader to Hamas-controlled Gaza. It would be an unprecedented boost for Hamas' legitimacy and a slap in the face of the PA, even if he doesn't officially meet with Hamas officials.

The reports say that the Qatari ambassador is arriving ahead of time to arrange the logistics.

Gaza's Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh had already met with the Emir in Qatar earlier this year.