Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has arrived in the Gaza Strip along with his wife Sheikha Mozah Al Missned on a landmark visit for one day during which he will lay the foundation stones of vital projects.
The visit is considered the first of its kind made by an Arab head of state to the besieged enclave.
Sheikh Hamad Al Khalifa and his delegation was received by Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya, his ministers, dignitaries, school students and civilians in the Palestinian side of Rafah border area, where a majestic presidential reception was held.
After standing to attention while the Palestinian and Qatari national anthems were played, the emir walked down a red carpet shaking hands with top Hamas officials.
During his brief visit, the emir will inaugurate$254-million Qatari projects to rebuild the impoverished and overcrowded Gaza Strip, which sustained major damage during a huge 22-day Israeli military operation which started in late December 2008.
In this regard, member of Hamas's political bureau Ezzat Al-Resheq welcomed in a press release the visit of Sheikh Hamad Al Thani to Gaza on Tuesday.
Resheq hailed the visit as "historical" and expressed his appreciation to Qatar's role in supporting the Palestinian people and their national cause.
