UAE 'pumps millions of aid into Gaza' in bid to boost Dahlan

The UAE is to provide $15m a month in aid to Gaza, a Palestinian politician said on Thursday, in the latest report of the Gulf country and its ally Mohammed Dahlan seeking greater influence in the enclave.

Samir al-Mashharawi, an ally of Dahlan, said the moneey would be used to "alleviate the suffering" of people in the Gaza Strip, which has been subject to Israeli blockade for the 10 years it has been ruled by Hamas.

Dahlan has been based in exile in the UAE since being expelled from the Fatah movement by current Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas. He has been improving relations with Hamas to the chagrin of the West Bank-based Abbas.

"Fifteen million dollars will be pumped monthly from the beginning of next month to the Palestinian Joint Liability Committee in support of relief, humanitarian and development projects in the Gaza Strip to alleviate their suffering," said Mashharawi.

The committee was established in the wake of agreements made between Dahlan and Hamas in early July in Cairo.

Hamas, considered a terrorist organisation by the US, EUand Israel, could benefit from increased international legitimacy if it were to formally share control with Dahlan.

On Friday, Hamas leaders and Dahlan allies again met in Cairo to discuss easing the blockade of Gaza with Egyptian officials.

The Rafah crossing from Egypt has been largely closed in recent years due to disputes between Hamas and Cairo.

Israel has maintained a crippling blockade on Gaza for a decade.

Seeing his two longtime adversaries moving closer, Abbas has sought to weaken Hamas - reducing electricity funding for the strip and cutting salaries of state employees there.