Blair calls for efforts to ease humanitarian concerns in Middle East

International Middle East envoy Tony Blair says residents of the Gaza Strip continue to face a “tough situation” and is urging quick repairs to infrastructure damaged in an Israeli offensive early this year.

Mr Blair was in Gaza today for his his second visit to the Hamas-ruled territory since he became the international community’s Mideast envoy two years ago.

Mr Blair says the world must focus on the “genuine humanitarian concerns” in the territory.

Gaza has been subject to a partial blockade by Israel and Egypt since Hamas seized control two years ago.

The area also is still recovering from Israel’s offensive.

Mr Blair is not scheduled to meet officials from Hamas.

The international community has boycotted Hamas because of its refusal to recognise Israel’s right to exist.