Former UK PM Tony Blair is set to hold unofficial talks with Benjamin Netanyahu over the Israel-Hamas war.

Andrew Mitchell, the minister for development and Africa, said the former Labour PM’s involvement is part of efforts to ensure that the UK's concerns over how Israel is conducting its operations in the Gaza Strip are 'well-ventilated'.

Following a question from Slough's MP, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Mitchell added: “There have been regular discussions between our prime minister and prime minister Netanyahu.

“Also the foreign secretary has been part of those discussions too. I think Sir Tony Blair is seeing prime minister Netanyahu shortly too.”

The Times also reported that Blair had been given the blessing of the UK government to get involved in unofficial talks with Netanyahu.

A government source said: “He knows Netanyahu very well and is a force for good.”

Blair has known prime minister Netanyahu for over 25 years. He first hosted the Israeli PM in Downing Street in 1997.

A spokesperson for Blair refused to comment on private meetings, and told the JC: “Mr Blair has an office in Israel, has continued to work on issues regarding Israel and the Palestinians and that he is discussing the situation with a number of people in the region and elsewhere to see what can be done.”