Qatar Denies Supporting Hamas with 500 Million
The Claim
Qatar’s pledged $500 million would go to support Hamas, including military equipment and weapons.
News posted on
Emerging story
A claim is circulating on social media, both English and Arabic, which claims that the $500 million aid funds pledged by Qatar to Palestine will be used to support the political party Hamas. The claims add that Qatar supports the terrorist movement and that the money will be used to purchase military equipment and weapons, and that it will result in more deaths in the region.
Misbar’s Analysis
MENA: The Misbar investigation found the claim to be misleading and is not based on any evidence. While Qatar has pledged $500 million, it has been evident in the intention and usage of the funds. It is to assist Palestinians in “facing the life challenges posed by the recent Israeli attacks, and to contribute to the reconstruction of service facilities in Gaza, in addition to the homes that were destroyed.” These funds are not for Hamas nor any military support or weapons.
On May 27th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in an interview with MSNBC, expressed that “We cannot reduce the Palestinian people living under occupation and consolidate them in just one group. 2.1 million people are living in Gaza who are in desperate humanitarian need.” Qatar has thus far contributed to providing Palestinians with electricity, housing units, roads, hospitals, including Hamad Hospital for rehabilitation, and donations of $100 to lower-income families. He added that “$100 per family who are in a difficult humanitarian need is a contribution to produce missiles or any weapons or supporting a group”. He also mentioned that the Qatari government tightly oversees the process to ensure funds are used correctly.
Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas’ political wing in Gaza, has vowed that aid distribution is “transparent and impartial,” adding that not a cent of international aid will go to Hamas but rather for its intended purpose. He said that they accept any international oversight to oversee the process. Following a pledge from the United States of $75 million, the statement was made that stressed that the aid must not benefit Hamas. The pledged funds are not intended for Hamas but rather for humanitarian use and reconstruction following the destruction caused by Israeli missiles and air raids.
