Gaza  - Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip Monday said former British prime minister Tony Blair would visit the enclave the following day but would not meet with members of the Islamic movement.

Ismail Radwan and Ahmed Yousef, two senior members of Hamas, said Blair, who is currently the representative of the Mideast Quartet - made up of the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nation - would be provided security by the police forces of their movement.

Hamas took over Gaza last summer, ousting forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of the rival Fatah party.

The Islamic party has been boycotted by most Western states and officials for refusing to recognize Israel and renounce violence.

In Gaza and Jerusalem, officials said a quiet visit was planned, but warned it may be delayed due to the publicity it received.

Members of Blair's team would not confirm the reports.

In his year as Quartet representative, Blair has pushed for development projects in the Gaza Strip but has not visited the often turbulent territory which in the last few weeks has, for the most part, maintained a fragile ceasefire with Israel. (dpa)