Middle East envoy Tony Blair reportedly will visit the Gaza Strip this week.
Hamas officials told major news agencies Monday that they were preparing for Blair’s visit, which would be his first since the Islamist group took control of Gaza.
Since becoming Middle East envoy of the diplomatic Quartet — the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia — a year ago, Blair has refused to meet with Hamas, which seized control of Gaza in June 2007 and is the subject of a U.S.-led boycott.
Blair’s office has not confirmed the visit.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.