Former Quartet envoy to the Middle East, Tony Blair, said on Thursday that he believes that peace can be achieved in the Middle East in the long-run.

“Israel is a strong country, and will know how to defend itself in any situation, but the conflict will not end without a return to 1967 borders,” Blair said.

According to Blair, talks must be attempted with Hamas as well, as he believes the terrorist group’s position on Israel can be changed.