Qatar yesterday distributed $100 grants to thousands of families in Gaza, an AFP correspondent reported, part of an understanding with Israel intended to restore calm to the blockaded Palestinian enclave. The state agreed to provide regular payments to needy families as part of an informal truce agreed between Hamas and Israel in November. Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi had said on Wednesday 60,000 families would receive the grants from post offices in the latest disbursement. Previous disbursements had each involved 100,000 families but Emadi said the $4mn saved would be allocated to other projects instead. Several hundred people were waiting at a post office in central Gaza City for their $100 grants, an AFP journalist said. Emadi brought $25mn in cash into Gaza on Sunday night, he told AFP. The rest of the money will be allocated to aid projects including cash-for-work schemes.