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Former U.K. prime minister and current Mideast envoy for the Quartet Tony Blair. (Reuters) Last update - 22:01 14/04/2008 Blair: Int'l aid would flow into Gaza if political change occured By Reuters Tags: Tony Blair, Gaza Strip  Middle East envoy Tony Blair said on Monday if the political situation in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip changed, it could get a share of the international aid that has helped the West Bank grow. "It's worth repeating on behalf of the international community that if the situation could only change there, there would also be an enormous desire to help people in Gaza too, not just people in the West Bank," said Blair, an envoy for the Quartet of Middle East peace mediators. Hamas Islamists, shunned by the West over their refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence, took over the Gaza Strip from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' secular Fatah faction in fighting last June. Advertisement Blair, a former British prime minister, spoke at a signing ceremony establishing a mortgage company that will help Palestinians buy homes in a new $1.5 billion housing project. The plan calls for the building of 30,000 affordable apartments in the West Bank and for $500 million to be available in long-term mortgages. Abbas said such projects will help persuade Palestinians that they are on the way to a better future. "(The) economy of the West Bank is actually growing despite all the problems, so think of how much more can be achieved, if we were able to realize the vision ... of a Palestinian state," Blair said in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Abbas sacked the Hamas-led government after the Gaza Strip's takeover and Israel tightened border restrictions on the passage of people and goods to and from the territory. "We are worried about the situation in the Gaza Strip, the siege, the incursions and the useless rockets," Abbas said. "We are working with our brethren in Egypt to achieve a truce so people can lead a dignified life," he added. The appointment of Western-backed Salam Fayad as Palestinian prime minister ended international sanctions on the West Bank but those on the Gaza Strip have remained in place. The United States and the rest of the international community pledged $7.7 billion in aid to Fayad's government in a donor's conference in December last year. Related articles: Mideast envoy Blair says PA starting to abide by 'road map' Blair: Middle East peace agreement is possible by end of 2008 Blair: Latest Mideast push for peace might be 'last chance' Bookmark to del.icio.us   From hunted to hunter Jerusalem camera catches brutal attack by Jewish teens on Arab youths. The will to power Palestinian governments violate human rights in quest for control.   1.   Ahh, coercion, gotta love it. 20:11  |  POP 14/04/08   2.   Blair wants Hamas to make nice to the Israelis 23:09  |  Clickfool 14/04/08   3.   Blair should go home and play somewhere else 23:58  |  Secular 14/04/08   4.   Phony Blair! Try your sales pitch elsewhere! 02:18  |  lakshmi 15/04/08   5.   And if the same sort of political change 02:26  |  Che Vive 15/04/08   6.   Only you... 02:27  |  Uzi 15/04/08   7.   I used to absolutly detest Blair 06:09  |  Adrian de Klerk 15/04/08   8.   Open Eyes 22:48  |  Howard 15/04/08   9.   Aid would improve life in the strip - Arabs don`t want that 02:50  |  Slappy 24/05/08   10.   It`s funny! 01:48  |  moonlite 28/05/08

Read & React Israel's wrong to ban Finkelstein, while allowing in Kahanists Responses: 213 Talansky: Olmert got $150,000 from me, introduced me to tycoons Responses: 63 VIDEO: Jerusalem camera catches attack by Jewish teens on Arab youths Responses: 115 Barack Obama: I wouldn't promise Ahmadinejad a meeting Responses: 77 Rosner's Domain The story of Obama and the 'A' word Rosner's Guest: U.S. should enforce policies on Israel Obama's uncle did not liberate Auschwitz (WTR) Explaining Hagee's Holocaust remarks Poll: Peace between Israel & Syria? More Headlines 01:44 Barak mulls ultimatum to PM, may demand resignation or early elections 02:28 Jurists: Conviction still a long shot 00:26 Sources: Hezbollah to give Israel report on efforts to find Ron Arad 02:24 The good life, Olmert-style 01:09 Assad: Lebanon should talk with Israel if negotiations progress 01:11 Was William Shakespeare a Jewish woman in disguise? 22:19 Rights monitor: W. Bank, Gaza governments violate human rights in quest for control 21:19 ANALYSIS: Talansky testimony paints portrait of Olmert the hedonist 19:47 VIDEO: Jerusalem camera catches brutal attack by Jewish teens on Arab youths 19:27 Jewish group slams German award for ex-Nazi doctor 17:43 10-year-old Afula boy suspected of extorting classmates 17:30 Border Police hurt 16 activists near Na'alin separation fence Previous Editions Select Day 27 may 26 may 25 may 23 may 22 may 21 may 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may

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