Qatar accused of ‘undermining Palestinian Authority’ through fuel move

The Palestinian Authority said that Qatar’s move of bringing in fuel to the Gaza Strip without coordinating with Palestinian official authorities has “crossed all red lines.”

Trucks loaded with Qatari fuel began entering Gaza to supply a power station amid completely ignoring the sovereignty of the Palestinian national reconciliation government.

The Palestinian Authority has often warned of transforming the Palestinian cause into a mere humanitarian cause in which the call for national rights is replaced with humanitarian aid.

These warnings, however, were ignored as Qatar decided to overlook the Palestinian official stance and coordinated with Israel, UN departments and Hamas in order to bring trucks loaded with fuel to Gaza.

The Palestinian Authority says the Qatari intervention undermines its efforts.

"When Qatar pays for the fuel, Hamas in Gaza will collect the bills and put it in its pocket, and this is an indirect financial aid to Hamas," said a PA official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.

Mahmoud al-Habbash, the Palestinian president’s consultant, said those who want to serve the Palestinian cause must first help end divisions.

“We believe that those who want to help the Palestinian cause must first help end the divisions and achieve a reconciliation. Any party that these days seeks to provide financial support to Hamas is certainly working against national interest,” Habbash said.