Blair makes one last push in Middle East with Palestinian funding plan | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited

Blair makes one last push in Middle East with Palestinian funding plan | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited: "

· PM proposes bypassing Hamas with aid to Abbas
· MP warns against funding sides in coming civil war

Tony Blair yesterday proposed a controversial plan to bolster Mahmoud Abbas in his escalating battle against Hamas by funnelling millions of pounds in aid directly to security forces under the Palestinian leader's control.

The risky move, probably Mr Blair's last power play on the Palestinian territories before he leaves office, has been agreed with the US and is designed to break the deadlock that has held back progress in the Middle East for months.

The plan also introduces a proposal for a new framework for talks on a Palestinian state to be agreed in a matter of weeks." Read complete post here.