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Last update - 20:03 14/07/2008 Hamas spokesman says Tony Blair to visit Gaza this week By The Associated Press Tags: Gaza Strip, Tony Blair, Hamas  Tony Blair will visit the Gaza Strip this week, a Hamas spokesman said Monday, in what will be the Mideast envoy's first trip to the coastal territory since the Islamic group violently seized control a year ago. Blair, who represents the Quartet of international peacemakers - the European Union, United Nations, the United States and Russia - is expected to meet with traders and inspect a northern Gaza waste water project being built with international funds, said Palestinian businessmen and officials familiar with his itinerary. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the visit has not been officially announced. They said it was unlikely that Blair would meet with officials from Hamas, which is committed to Israel's destruction and is considered a terrorist group by the U.S., European Union and Israel. Advertisement The international community does not recognize Hamas' Gaza government, and officials fear any visit could be construed as approval. Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan said his group would make security arrangements for Blair's visit. Radwan said in a statement text-messaged to reporters that the envoy's visit would be brief. He did not say whether Blair would meet with Hamas. Palestinian officials declined to specify the day Blair will arrive, citing security concerns. Although the once-lawless Gaza has been mostly pacified under Hamas' stern rule, there are still fears that shadowy extremist groups may try kidnap foreigners entering Gaza. Blair's office would not comment on the trip. Government spokesman Mark Regev declined to comment directly on a Blair visit to Gaza but said Israel supported Blair's work. "We believe that trying to build more healthy Palestinian institutions to encourage the growth of the Palestinians economy is good for the Palestinians and for Israel," he said. The former British prime minister is trying to revive the struggling Palestinian economy to lay the groundwork for a future independent Palestinian state. Related articles: EU, Blair: Checkpoints, Gaza blockade hindering Palestinian aid effort Blair: Middle East peace process is a race against time Blair: Int'l aid would flow into Gaza if political change occured Bookmark to del.icio.us   History undersea Israeli lifeguard stumbles upon ancient relic during morning swim. Elections, Hebrew style U.S. presidential hopefuls use Hebrew to woo the Jewish community.   1.   Blair can go to Gaza but not Carter 18:52  |  Aphemia 14/07/08   2.   This would render Blair`s visit utterly pointless 20:14  |  Clickfool 14/07/08   3.   Blair Kidnapped in up coming meeting with hamas 20:23  |  Fred 14/07/08   4.   Blair is interested in HIS OWN prosperity!!! 20:34  |  Ian 14/07/08   5.   Will the U.K. be the first Islamic country of West Europe ? 21:01  |  Jean Van Daem 14/07/08   6.   no carter, no tutu, no finklestein 21:22  |  joefiasco 14/07/08   7.   To Aphemia 21:31  |  Michael 14/07/08   8.   Israel`s mistake not to supply Argentina with Exocets during 22:10  |  Absolute Sweden 14/07/08   9.   For Absolute Sweden # 2 22:40  |  Clickfool 14/07/08   10.   #8,9 Israel should learn discernment 23:13  |  Ian 14/07/08   11.   Olmert and his government will still keep kissing Blairs ass. 23:44  |  Zev 14/07/08   12.   2 Clickfool - The Bush Doctrine 23:47  |  Mark of Lewiston 14/07/08   13.   #5 Jean Van Daem: Israel first 00:36  |  Boycott 15/07/08   14.   Blair is being coy and silly if he thinks he can bypass Hamas! 00:52  |  lakshmi 15/07/08   15.   Go to Gaza, with our blessing Mr. Blair. 02:43  |  Stephen. 15/07/08   16.   NEED TO SEE IF HAMAS HAS ONE ROOM IN ONE HOTEL LEFT THAT HAS NOT 03:36  |  glenna 15/07/08   17.   #15, Stephen 10:42  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 15/07/08   18.   #17. Cipora. That was my reasoning. 12:40  |  Stephen. 15/07/08

Read & React VIDEO: Olmert, Assad dodge unwanted handshake in Paris Responses: 43 Obama camp slams New Yorker cover of him in Muslim garb, wife as terrorist Responses: 39 Ahmadinejad: Direct U.S. talks possible in 'near future' Responses: 59 Editorial: Israel-Syria talks must go on, with or without Olmert Responses: 8 Report: One of soldiers held by Hezbollah died during abduction Responses: 4 Rosner's Domain The new 'Obama advisor' problem: Senator Chuck Hagel Attacking Iran to get the world's attention? U.S. pressures Israel: No bombing of Iran (WTR) Poll: The more religious the Jewish voter, the more pro-McCain More Headlines 11:19 Report: One of IDF soldiers to be swapped was killed in kidnapping 12:38 Peres: Israel has 'moral and spiritual duty' to bring home its sons 09:12 Key witness in Olmert graft probe silent under questioning 12:05 Blair aide: Gaza trip nixed over 'specific threat' against him 09:07 Obama campaign slams New Yorker cover showing him in Muslim garb, wife as terrorist 09:33 Tremors felt across Israel after 6.8-scale quake hits Greek isle 11:25 Ex-Olmert aide finally talks to police on real estate probe 09:11 Israeli teams tell Diaspora Jews: Make aliyah, for soccer's sake! 11:53 Palestinians: IDF arrests three Hamas officials in Nablus raid 10:31 Ahmadinejad: Direct talks with U.S. possible in 'near future' 10:38 Study: Dirty bombs are easy to come by in the U.S. 05:30 Microsoft buys Israeli company Zoomix for estimated $35m 11:24 Trade Ministry weighs production of electric car in Israel 09:46 Israeli jets could be barred from U.S. if facilities fail inspections Previous Editions Select Day 14 jul 13 jul 11 jul 10 jul 09 jul 08 jul 07 jul 06 jul 04 jul 03 jul 02 jul 01 jul

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