Former British prime minister Tony Blair cancelled a visit to the Gaza Strip scheduled for Tuesday morning, Israel Radio reported.

The radio would give no reason, but one official speaking on condition of anonymity said the Israeli authorities had warned Blair at the last minute of new intelligence information from Gaza, as he was on his way to the Strip from Jerusalem.

According to the official, although Blair did not plan to meet with Hamas officials during the visit, the Islamic movement ruling Gaza had given too much publicity to it, creating a security risk.

Senior Hamas officials Ismail Radwan and Ahmed Yousef had announced the visit late Monday, saying Blair, who is currently the Middle East representative of the Mideast Quartet - made up of the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nation - would be provided security by the police forces of their movement.

Hamas seized sole control of Gaza last summer, ousting forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of the rival Fatah party.

The Islamic party has been boycotted by most Western states and officials for refusing to recognize Israel and renounce violence.

In Gaza and Jerusalem, officials had earlier said a quiet visit was planned, but warned it may be delayed due to the publicity it received.

In his year as Quartet representative, Blair has pushed for development projects in the Gaza Strip but has not visited the often- turbulent territory which in the last few weeks has, for the most part, maintained a fragile ceasefire with Israel.