WASHINGTON, April 17: The United States on Monday asked Qatar to clarify details over $50 million it plans to give the Palestinian Authority, despite calls from Washington not to directly fund a Hamas-led government.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said he had seen statements that Qatar planned to give the Palestinian Authority the funds and would like more information.

“We’d seek a little clarity from the government of Qatar as to exactly what their intentions are, to whom they actually intend to give this money and under what circumstances,” said Mr McCormack.—Reuters