A Tiny Nation Just Pledged $1 Billion to Gaza

CAIRO (TheBlaze/AP) — Qatar has pledged $1 billion toward reconstruction of Gaza Strip after the latest, 50-day Israel-Hamas war.

The Gaza Strip, circled in red on the left, and Qatar, in gold on the right. (Map via CIA World Factbook)

Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah made the announcement Sunday during a pledge conference in Cairo.

As the Jerusalem Post has noted, the wealthy Qatar has long been a powerful backer of radical Islamic organizations including Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.

On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced immediate U.S. assistance of $212 million as the conference began.

The United Arab Emirates also pledged $200 million.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said Gaza needs $4 billion.

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