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U.K. offers aid to Gaza

LONDON: The British Government on Wednesday announced nearly £7 million worth of emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza as Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was “appalled” by the continuing violence and called for an immediate ceasefire.

Announcing the aid, Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander said it was meant to help the people of Gaza with food, fuel and medicine supplies that were “desperately needed”. He said Israel must give aid agencies “unfettered access” to Gaza.

The move came as Tony Blair, international community’s high-profile envoy to West Asia, prepared to visit the region to broker a ceasefire.

Mr. Blair represents the Quartet comprising the U.N., the European Union, America and Russia. He was reported to have already spoken to the Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak and other senior figures following growing pressure for international intervention to stop Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Mr. Blair had faced criticism for not taking any initiative.

“At this crucial moment, Tony Blair has been conspicuous by his absence. As Middle East peace envoy he has the authority to put pressure on both sides for an immediate ceasefire,” said Ed Davey, foreign affairs spokesman for Liberal Democrats.

But there was scepticism whether Mr. Blair would achieve anything in the absence of American pressure on Israel. Mr. Blair himself has a credibility problem in the Arab world. As British Prime Minister, he was accused of taking a pro-Israel stance when he refused to condemn Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 2006.

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