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Tony Blair and William Hague discuss implementation of new Gaza policy

Quartet Representative Tony Blair and UK Foreign Secretary William Hague today to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East peace process and on Gaza specifically.

The meeting concluded two-days of talks Mr Blair has held in Madrid, Paris and London to discuss the recent proposals to ensure more goods get into Gaza as well as the latest developments in the proximity talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Speaking during a joint press conference at the Foreign Office, William Hague said: "The goal of peace in the Middle East is one of the most important goals on which it is possible to work in the world. I value Tony Blair's advice, not only as a former prime minister but as the Quartet's representative."

William Hague also paid tribute to Tony Blair’s efforts to change Israel’s policy towards Gaza and expressed hope that the Government of Israel would take further steps to ease the blockade: “The blockade of Gaza is unacceptable and it’s unsustainable but some progress has now been made in making sure that more goods can get in to Gaza and Tony Blair really has been at the forefront of that work and is to be congratulated on what has been achieved so far.”

Tony Blair, who has been in close contact with William Hague over recent weeks, thanked the Foreign Secretary for his support and reiterated the need to continue the push for a further liberalisation of Israel’s policy towards Gaza. He said: "We have a chance now to change policy in Gaza and open it up for the transfer of the goods and daily items that people need to make their lives better there.

"We also had a chance to talk about the wider peace process where we hope we can get direct negotiations going as soon as possible and where we continue with what's been a lot of progress on the West Bank - but we need to do still more."