Quartet Representative Tony Blair's planned visit to Northern Gaza was postponed today, due to a specific security threat, which meant that it would have been "irresponsible" to go ahead.

Mr Blair had been planning to see sewage treatment plant, renovation of which has been a priority project for him; meet representatives of the business community and civil society; and to visit a school run by UNRWA.

Speaking to Palestinian journalists after the announcement, Mr Blair said: "I am very disappointed but this visit has been postponed and not cancelled. We were virtually there and had to turn back.

"I intend to go as soon as I can. It would have been important to go and see for myself firsthand what's happening in Gaza and I will continue to press for help for the people there."

Mr Blair made his decision to postpone the visit due to a specific security threat which he concluded would have made it irresponsible to proceed, not just for those visiting but also the local community.

Click here to read Tony Blair's full comments