Palestinian Authority (PA) officials have stated that the oil-rich Gulf state of Qatar is funding Hamas with millions of dollars, some of which is being used to purchase advanced weapons. "Qatar gives Hamas millions of dollars a month [on average]," a senior aide to Mr. Abbas told The Washington Times in Ramallah.

The money ostensibly is earmarked to relieve poverty in Gaza, "but Hamas steals it, and some of it may be used to buy weapons," the official said. Another source declared that Qatar regularly hosts Hamas leaders and has offered to negotiate a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.