King discusses Gaza violence with Qatar emir

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah met with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Jeddah on Tuesday and discussed developments in Gaza, where 630 Palestinians have died after 15 days of violence between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced.
The two leaders discussed aspects of cooperation between the two countries in addition to the latest developments at Islamic, Arab and international arenas, particularly the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, SPA said.
The audience was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, minister of interior; as well as Sheikh Abdullah bin Nassir Al Khalifa, Qatari Prime Minister and Interior Minister; Sheikh Jawan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, director of Qatari Emir’s Office, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatari ambassador to the Kingdom.
Egypt has proposed a cease-fire in Gaza followed by indirect talks.
But Hamas has said it would not accept the Egyptian proposal, insisting instead on firm commitments first to end Israel’s eight-year blockade of the coastal enclave.
Hamas has also sought a role for Turkey and Doha in the efforts to reach a truce.
UN chief Ban Ki-Moon stopped in Doha on Monday as he began a regional tour to push for a cease-fire in Gaza.