Latest News
Tony Blair hails "important step towards easing the lives of Palestinians in Gaza"
Thursday, Jun 17, 2010 in Office of Tony Blair, Office of the Quartet Representative
Responding to the Israeli Government's change in policy towards Gaza, Quartet Representative Tony Blair said:
"I welcome the Government of Israel’s decision to liberalise the policy on Gaza. It is an important step towards easing the lives of Palestinians in Gaza. As I have said in the past days, Israel has the clear right to defend itself and protect its security. The best way to do this is to ensure that weapons cannot reach Gaza whilst allowing into Gaza the items of ordinary daily life, including materials for the construction of homes, infrastructure and services as the UN have asked, and permitting legitimate business to revive. The decision to allow foodstuffs and household items is a good start. There are key UN projects that can get the go-ahead.
"The Quartet will continue its discussions with the Israeli Govt over the coming days to flesh out the principles now agreed. I have been in close consultation with Quartet members and thank them for their co-operation. We are also examining the role of the PA and the EU at the key crossings.
"We continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Corporal Shalit in whose ongoing detention is totally unjustified."