Blair in Gaza calls for easing of blockade

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JERUSALEM (JTA) — Tony Blair called on Israel and Egypt to ease the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Blair, envoy of the Middle East Quartet of nations, said Monday on a visit to Gaza that he had "genuine humanitarian concerns" about Israel’s blockade of the coastal strip, the French news agency AFP reported. 

"I have returned to Gaza today to hear directly from local Palestinians about the tough situation they continue to face here," he told reporters. "It is vitally important to maintain our focus on the genuine humanitarian concerns that still exist here in Gaza."

The blockade allows only humanitarian supplies into the territory.

Blair’s visit coincided with the two-year anniversary of Hamas seizing power in Gaza.
 

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