US envoy starts Middle East push

Mr Obama said Mr Mitchell was not just going for photo opportunities US President Barack Obama's envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, is on his way to the Middle East, heralding a new burst of diplomacy in the region. He will meet President Hosni Mubarak to discuss boosting Gaza's ceasefire and renewing the peace process. Egypt has been mediating between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as between the rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah. Mr Obama said he had asked his envoy to seek genuine progress during his visit. Mr Mitchell will also travel to Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia. CONFLICT IN FIGURES More than 1,300 Palestinians killed Thirteen Israelis killed More than 4,000 buildings destroyed in Gaza, more than 20,000 severely damaged 50,000 Gazans homeless and 400,000 without running water Special report: Gaza conflict Who are Hamas? Middle East conflict: History in maps Profile: Gaza Strip Separately, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he was heading to the Middle East to join efforts to cement a permanent ceasefire. The diplomatic moves come a day after European Union Humanitarian aid chief Louis Michel blamed the ruling militant movement Hamas for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He called the destruction left by Israel's offensive "abominable", but said Hamas bore "overwhelming responsibility". About 1,300 Palestinians including 400 children were killed in Israel's 22-day assault, while 13 Israelis died, some as a result of Palestinian militant rocket fire. 'Concrete progress' US envoy George Mitchell is to visit Israel, the West Bank, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia during a week-long tour, with European stops including Paris and London, said state department spokesman Robert Wood. Relief agencies urged an opening of crossings so more aid can reach Gaza He said Mr Mitchell would meet "senior officials to discuss the peace process and the situation in Gaza". Mr Obama said the new envoy would take an active approach. "The charge that Senator Mitchell has is to engage vigorously and consistently in order for us to achieve genuine progress," he said. "And when I say progress, not just photo ops but progress that is concrete." It remained unclear whether Mr Mitchell would travel to the Gaza Strip. Israeli and Palestinian faction representatives have visited Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials since a non-negotiated ceasefire came into effect on 18 January. Hamas wants an end of Israel's punishing blockade of Gaza. Israel, which will hold a general elections on 10 February, wants a long-term ceasefire and curbs on Hamas rearming.