CBNNews.com - GAZA STRIP - Middle East envoy and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was slated to visit the Gaza Strip this week. But he cancelled the visit after Israel's general security agency, the Shin Bet, warned of specific threats against him.

Though Blair didn't plan to meet with Hamas officials, the group planned to provide security for him during his visit.

Because Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by the US, EU, and Israel, Blair's decision stayed the US-course to boycott the group.

While in Gaza, Blair would have met with industry leaders in northern Gaza, including a waste-water project, in an attempt to bolster the Palestinian economy.

The trip would have marked Blair's first visit to the Strip since Hamas took control a year ago.

Blair last visited Gaza in 1998 while still prime minister. Blair is the envoy for the Middle East Quartet, which is comprised of the US, Russia, the EU and the UN.

Sources: Haaretz, YNet News