22 July 2014
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — For the first time since an unprecedented diplomatic rift among Gulf powerhouses, Qatar’s emir flew to Saudi Arabia late Tuesday in a surprise visit and met with King Abdullah to discuss cease-fire efforts that have yet to bring an end to 15 days of war in the Gaza Strip.
The meeting brought together two influential Arab brokers backing different cease-fire initiatives. Saudi Arabia is supporting an Egyptian cease-fire initiative that Israel accepted but Hamas rejected. Qatar, on the other hand, is the main conduit of Hamas conditions for a cease-fire that include guarantees for the lifting of a seven-year blockade of Gaza, enforced by Israel and Egypt
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