Middle East Quartet Representative Tony Blair welcomes the Egyptian ceasefire proposal, saying that it could lead to “genuine change” in Gaza.
“I welcome the statement from Egypt calling on the parties to implement a ceasefire to give a chance for a proper, full and long-term solution to Gaza to be put in place, and welcome the leadership Egypt has shown in doing so,” Blair says. “Such a ceasefire can halt the tragic loss of life, stop the rockets on Israel — and open up the possibility of a genuine change in Gaza.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) with Middle East Quartet Envoy Tony Blair (L) on June 17, 2014 (photo credit: Youtube screenshot)
The only long-term solution “that makes sense” would be one that would open Gaza “up to the world,” he says, possibly referring to an opening of border crossings.
“The hope is that this ceasefire will allow us to put in place such a long-term strategy for the future in Gaza, and the West Bank. The international community will give its full backing to such an initiative,” Blair says.
–Raphael Ahren.
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