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 07 September 2008 01:58 BST

Blair cancels Gaza visit

Tuesday, 15 Jul 2008 09:31
Tony Blair set to make Gaza visit
Tony Blair's plans to visit the Gaza strip have been put on hold following "specific threats" against him, his spokesperson has confirmed.

Mr Blair was set to visit the Strip for the first time since Hamas gained control of the territory last year, in what was being billed by the militant group as a sign of their growing international acceptance.

The former prime minister's trip would have come in his capacity as envoy for the US, Russia, the European Union and United Nations, which together make up the so-called Quartet of peace-brokers working for an agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.

He was planning to visit a sewage treatment plant funded by international donors and view humanitarian work, while Hamas provided security.

Hamas is shunned by the international community because of its association with terrorist activities. Commentators say its leaders viewed the Blair visit as a sign of acceptance but Mr Blair was not intending to see any senior figures of the organisation.

Mr Blair has been envoy since stepping down as prime minister one year ago. He was tasked with furthering the economic situation in the region preparatory to peace talks.

Gaza was widely considered a lawless area before Hamas set out to pacify the region last year as part of their power grab. One of their first acts was to negotiate the release of British journalist Alan Johnson, but several shadowy extremist groups still operate in the area outside of Hamas' control.

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