Blair calls for end to blockade
Updated on 01 March 2009
Tony Blair makes his first visit to Gaza since being appointed Middle East envoy two years ago.
He pledged that people living in the Palestinian territory should be the focus of efforts to bring peace to the region.
The former prime minister did not meet Hamas, Gaza's governing party, but the visit was co-ordinated with the organisation.
Mr Blair said he had wanted to make the trip so he could hear first-hand accounts from people affected by the recent conflict with Israel.
He entered Gaza through the Erez crossing and made his way to a UN school in Beit Hanoun.
Watch Alex Thomson's interview with Tony Blair.
