Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad said Blair had not created a good impression with the Islamic Resistance Movement of Hamas, now in control of the Gaza Strip.

"According to our experience at the time he was the prime minister of Britain... he was not honest and was not helpful in solving the conflict in the Middle East," Hamad said. He added that Blair had constantly adopted "the American and the Israeli position".

However, the US, Palestinian Authority and Israel have welcomed Blair`s new role.

Many analysts share Hamas` view in doubting Blair`s honesty. Mainly because he stood shoulder to shoulder with US President George Bush in the Iraq war and also because he turned a blind eye to Israel`s atrocities in last summer`s Lebanon war.

Blair`s appointment was delayed because of Russian reservations.

Observers point out that Blair`s mission, as defined by the "Quartet" of international mediators which appointed him - Russia, the US, EU and UN - is narrow.

Blair replaces the Quartet`s previous envoy, former World Bank President James Wolfensohn, who resigned last year in frustration at the lack of progress.