Qatar warns US of 'serious repercussions' over Jerusalem

Doha, Dec 7 (AFP) Qatar's emir has warned US PresidentDonald Trump that his decision to recognise Jerusalem asIsrael's capital would have "serious ...

Doha, Dec 7 (AFP) Qatar's emir has warned US PresidentDonald Trump that his decision to recognise Jerusalem asIsrael's capital would have "serious repercussions", accordingto a statement from Doha's foreign ministry today.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani "warned of the seriousrepercussions of this step, which would further complicate thesituation in the Middle East and negatively affect thesecurity and stability in the region," read a statement fromthe ministry, quoting the emir in a phone call with Trump.

An estimated 20,500 Palestinians live in Qatar, which hasa population of around 2.7 million.

The gas-rich emirate, which is estimated to be therichest country in the world per capita, in October announcedit would fund a new headquarters for the Palestinian Authorityin Gaza to support a reconciliation deal between rivals Hamasand Fatah.

Qatar has long been considered a supporter of Hamas andhas funded much of the reconstruction of Gaza after the lastwar with Israel in 2014.

It is also home to the former leadership of Hamas, whichis considered a terrorist organisation by the United States.

In June, Saudi Arabia and its allies cut diplomatic andtrade ties with Qatar, accusing the emirate of supportingIslamist extremists. Qatar denies the allegation. (AFP)CPS.

This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.

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