An MEP is calling for an early meeting between European parliamentarians and the Hamas elected representatives who now control Gaza.

Chris Davies, a member of the European Parliament's Palestine delegation, says that the categorical refusal of Israel and the USA to have any dealings with Hamas is an obstacle to peace.

The Liberal Democrat MEP has visited Gaza three times in the past 16 months and is one of the few British politicians to have met with the former Palestinian prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh. He is calling on EU foreign ministers to open the door to dialogue instead of slamming it shut on Hamas every time the organisation takes a positive step forward. His comments follow the recent report from the Commons' foreign affairs select committee and its call for talks with moderate elements within Hamas.

The Liberal Democrat MEP said that when he met with Ismail Haniyeh in May the Hamas prime minister insisted that he recognised the right of Israel to exist, accepted the two-state solution, and pledged his government to promote peace.

Mr Davies said: "Instead of seizing the opportunity the Quartet gave no support whatsoever to the Palestinian Unity government. It has only itself to blame for the collapse of that government amidst the violent conflicts between Hamas and Fatah in Gaza."

The MEP has written to the chairman of the European Parliament's Palestine delegation urging him to arrange meetings in Gaza over the coming months.

He concluded, "We have to break down the barriers and explore options. If there is to be peace in the Middle East the voices of all concerned have to be heard and paid respect."