Hamas mourns former Qatar emir, calls him 'always on the side of the Palestinian people'

The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has expressed sorrow over the passing of Qatar's former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Hamas remembered him as an "Arab national leader" who consistently supported the Palestinian people and advocated for an end to the Israeli occupation.

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He was a leader with vision, initiative, values and authentic Arab human attitudes, who prioritized the interest of his country, his people and his nation, and supported just causes, especially the Palestinian cause.

The group's statement emphasized Al Thani's "vision, initiative, and authentic Arab values," noting his prioritization of his country's interests and his support for just causes, particularly Palestine. Hamas recalled his historic 2012 visit to the Gaza Strip, the first by a head of state since Hamas took control in 2007, which it said helped alleviate the territory's isolation and offered hope for reconstruction.

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true peace is only achieved by ending the (Israeli) occupation.

Hamas also acknowledged Qatar's ongoing role as a supporter of Palestine, citing its political backing, humanitarian efforts, and reconstruction initiatives in Gaza. Islamic Jihad, another influential Palestinian group, also offered condolences, recognizing Al Thani's consistent support for Palestinian rights and humanitarian aid.

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contributed to breaking its isolation and opening new horizons of hope and reconstruction.