Qatar Welcomes Hamas Roadmap, Urges International Pressure on Israel

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani welcomed Hamas political bureau chief Khalil al-Hayya's acceptance of the Gaza roadmap and urged the international community to pressure Israel to fulfill its obligations. In a Friday phone call, Al Thani also congratulated al-Hayya on assuming his new Hamas leadership role. He said accepting the roadmap could help end Palestinian suffering and advance security and stability in Gaza. The Qatari statement accused Israel of continuing violations of Palestinian rights, but did not identify specific alleged violations or explain which Israeli obligations it alleged had not been fulfilled.