GAZA, October 23, 2012 (WAFA) -  The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his wife, Sheikha Moza, started Tuesday a short visit to the Gaza Strip, the first for an Arab head of state to the besieged sea enclave since Hamas took it over in 2007.

The Arab leader entered the Gaza Strip through Rafah crossing with Egypt under heavy security measures described as unprecedented.

The visit, which will last for only four hours, includes laying the foundation stone for a 1000-unit housing project in Khan Younis that carries his name, laying the foundation stone for a hospital for artificial limbs near Gaza City for people who lost limbs in the Israeli attacks and the rehabilitation of a main road north of Gaza City that was destroyed by Israel.

Qatar has also announced over $300 million in grant for reconstructing infrastructure destroyed during the Israeli 2008-2009 military onslaught and for other projects. The total Qatari aid will reach over $400 million.

The Palestine Liberation Organization called on Arab leaders to join efforts to reunite the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

The Executive Committee said in a statement after its meeting Monday night in Ramallah that the Arabs should encourage Hamas to seek unity, and not increase the division.

PLO secretary Yasser Abed Rabbo told Voice of Palestine Tuesday that “we hope this visit will be for only one time and not to become a tradition under the banner of breaking the blockade and helping reconstruction.”

Member of Fatah Central Committee, Hussein al-Sheikh, also told Voice of Palestine that “we hope this visit will not serve those in Hamas who support division.”

M.S.