Blair's Peace Role At Risk Over 'Israel Bias'

Tony Blair's role as a Middle East peace envoy is in jeopardy amid growing accusations from the Palestinian leadership of "pro-Israel bias".

Mr Blair has angered the Palestinians by lobbying against their bid for official membership of the United Nations (UN).

The former prime minister, the Quartet's special envoy since 2007, last week urged European nations to follow the US by rejecting the bid.

A Palestinian official told Sky News that before the UN bid, Mr Blair was already viewed as "useless" but now he is seen as "an Israeli diplomat".

At a meeting of the ruling Palestinian Fatah party's Central Committee there was unanimous condemnation of Mr Blair and calls for him to be dismissed.

But Sky News understands that President Mahmoud Abbas will - in the short term at least - refrain from officially demanding Mr Blair's removal, while making clear the Palestinians' dissatisfaction with his performance.

There are reports that youth leaders within the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) have declared Mr Blair "persona non grata" and refused to meet with him.

The Palestinian Authority has long accused Mr Blair of a "one-sided" approach to the conflict.

His failure to censure Israel for expanding the Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has been a particular source of discontent.

Mr Blair's remit has been to focus on developing the Palestinian economy, security forces and institutions rather than putting pressure on Israel. He can claim some successes.

During his tenure, there has been an increase in investment and development in the West Bank.

Mr Blair has also helped to ease the restrictions on movement by persuading Israel to remove some checkpoints and re-open others.

But Palestinian officials say he has concentrated on "conflict management" rather than "conflict resolution".

The Palestinians' opposition to Mr Blair comes as the Quartet - made up of Russia, the UN, the EU and the US - is urging the resumption of the long-stalled peace negotiations.

As the group's envoy, Mr Blair would be expected to take a leading role in facilitating the talks.

If the Palestinians refuse to deal with him, the Quartet may be forced to appoint a new envoy.