Blair defends neutrality in Middle East role

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair defended himself against claims he was too close to Israel and the United States Thursday as he gave evidence to a British parliamentary oversight committee.

The former prime minister -- in his first appearance before parliament since stepping down last year -- suggested that his controversial decision to send British troops into Iraq and Afghanistan did not bother most Palestinians.

He also revealed he had not yet visited Gaza in the role and said the militant Islamist group Hamas could probably stop rocket attacks on Israeli checkpoints, which have reportedly hit aid convoys.

Blair was asked about his neutrality as he gave evidence to the lower House of Commons international development committee, which...