OUD NIEUWS. Viva Palestina aid convoys to Gaza
Reageer (6)Ma'an
Viva Palestina prepares for next Gaza convoy
24-8-2010
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- British MP George Galloway's charity Viva Palestina will send "the largest convoy to date" to Gaza with aid on 18 September, the group said Tuesday.
The land convoy, named the Viva Palestina Global Lifeline To Gaza, will travel through Europe and the Middle East expecting to arrive in Gaza in early October. Two other convoys from Doha and Morocco will also join the group, organizers said.
The Kia Ora Gaza in New Zealand, a convoy of six hoping to drive three vehicles to Gaza, said they were "on a peaceful humanitarian mission. We are fund-raising to deliver aid to people in Gaza. They are suffering under an Israeli siege which has been condemned by the United Nations, International Red Cross and most other world bodies."
Over 1,000 people in 450 vehicles have joined the convoy, which Galloway has led to Gaza three times.
In January, Galloway was deported from Egypt when tensions rose after the government told the convoy that some of the vehicles would have to enter through an Israeli-controlled port, sparking protests and rallies along the Egyptian border.
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One month to go before Viva Palestina 5 leaves for Gaza
22-8-2010
With only a month to go before the Viva Palestina Global Lifeline To Gaza sets off from London, individuals and teams from across the world are busy fundraising and preparing for their journey to the besieged region of Gaza.
They will depart London on September 18th and travel through Europe and the Middle East, arriving in Gaza in early October.
They will meet up with 2 other convoys that will depart from Doha and from Morocco, and together, will form the largest convoy to date to enter Gaza with aid.
Last Saturday night in Tipperary, Ireland, legendary singer Shane McGowan from the world famous group "The Pogues" turned up at a fundraiser and treated the packed audience to 8 songs. Shane had the crowd dancing non stop as he sang a few Pogues classics and a few Thin Lizzy covers. Shane was supporting the galant efforts of the "Tipp2Gaza" team who are joining the convoy. Speaking on the night, Shane said: "It is an honour to support not only Joe and Jim who are taking part, but to support the Palestinians at this critical time."
In New Zealand, a major fundraising effort is under way by the amazing "Kia Ora Gaza" group. Led by team captain Roger Fowler, a group of 6 people will travel to London and drive 3 vehicles loaded with aid to Gaza. Speaking to the press, Roger outlined their objectivies for taking part. "Kia Ora Gaza is on a peaceful humanitarian mission. We are fund-raising to deliver aid to people in Gaza. They are suffering under an Israeli siege which has been condemned by the United Nations, International Red Cross and most other world bodies."
As part of their fundraising efforts, KLARC, one of New Zealand's best graphic artists, who also sketched Kia Ora Gaza's famous truck logo, has signed his original print and has donated it to the team for auction. Already there has been considerable interest and bidding, and will no doubt reach a high price before the auction closes. For more information, check out their web site at www.kiaoragaza.net
Across the UK, there are many teams busy fundraising and collecting medical, educational, building and farming supplies. Many of these items are banned from entering Gaza, and it is vital that these get through to the stricken region. Travelling on his 3rd convoy to Gaza, Tom Baker, the team leader from the "Slough To Gaza" group said, "Having travelled on 2 previous Viva Palestina convoys, I have seen 1st hand the conditions that the Palestinians in Gaza have to live through on a daily basis. To me it is way beyond belief that the world has allowed the population in Gaza to remain locked up for nearly 4 years now. The time has now come to say enough is enough, and by going back to Gaza once more, I hope to play my part in not only breaking the siege, but ending the siege once and for all."
Viva Palestina is a registered charity founded by George Galloway following the attacks on Gaza 18 months ago. George has led 3 convoys of aid into Gaza, the most recent one in January of this year. To date, over 1,000 people in 450 vehicles loaded with aid have successfully broken the siege on Gaza, and delivered millions of pounds worth of aid.
There are still many ways in which people can help out on this convoy, by fundraising for aid, donating aid, contacting local and national media, distributing flyers, or helping out local volunteers from your area. For futher information, please visit our web site at www.vivapalestina.org or telephone 0044 7751 006 256.
Thanks for your continued support,
Viva Palestina
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VIVA PALESTINA AID CONVOY 4 in GAZA...!
HLN
België hekelt passiviteit van Belgische ambassade in Caïro
22-1-2010
De Belgische deelnemers van het internationale humanitaire konvooi "Viva Palestina" hekelden vandaag in Brussel de passiviteit van de Belgische ambassade in Caïro ten opzichte van de hindernissen en de gewelddadigheden waarmee de deelnemers van het konvooi geconfronteerd werden tijdens hun doortocht door Egypte. Het konvooi kwam begin januari in de Gazastrook aan om er medisch materiaal te leveren.
Niets gedaan
"De Belgische ambassade in Caïro heeft absoluut niets gedaan om ons te helpen", hekelde Saïd Benayad, een van de elf Belgen die aan het konvooi deelnamen, tijdens de persconferentie in het Europees Parlement met het Belgische Europees parlementslid Isabelle Durant (Ecolo).
"Telkens wanneer we de ambassade contacteerden kregen we de raad mee ons te schikken naar de beslissingen van de gerechtelijke autoriteiten", verklaarde Benayad.
Konvooi
Het konvooi was op 6 december 2009 in Brussel vertrokken en bestond uit ongeveer 150 voertuigen, afkomstig van verschillende landen. Het kwam op 7 januari aan in Gaza, ondanks de intimidaties, bedreigingen en gewelddadigheden van de Egyptische autoriteiten aan hun adres.
Boot
Het hulpkonvooi was aanvankelijk na een reis van meer dan twee weken in de haven van Akaba aangekomen maar mocht daar van de Egyptische autoriteiten niet de grens over. Het moest uiteindelijk in Syrië de boot nemen naar de haven van El-Arish om zo in Gaza te geraken. (belga/vbd)
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PressTV
Galloway: New Gaza convoys won't cross Egypt
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7-1-2010
British lawmaker George Galloway says no more aid convoys destined for the besieged Gaza Strip will pass through Egyptian territory as its authorities caused troubles for Viva Palestina convoy to enter the Palestinian enclave.
"I cannot see any more visits to Egypt since we find it very difficult to deal with the officials who cheated us. They signed a binding agreement with us in Aqaba, Jordan, and they broke it," Galloway said in an interview with Press TV on Thursday.
"There are other ways into Gaza and we are exploring them. You'll see Viva Palestina coming from all corners of the world," he added.
The British anti-war activist added that the third international convoy organized by the British-based group Viva Palestina arrived in the Gaza Strip with no more than three quarters of what the organizers had planned.
It is believed that the remaining quarter of the humanitarian supplies, intended for impoverished Gazans living under crippling Israeli siege, will never reach its intended target in the Gaza Strip.
The Viva Palestina aid convoy entered Gaza Wednesday, after it received the approval of Egyptian authorities to bring into the blockaded coastal sliver of Gaza several tonnes of aid supplies. The activists of the pro-Palestinian movement had earlier entered the Egyptian port of al-Arish in order to get access into Gaza.
The third international convoy to Gaza departed from London on December 5, 2009. The convoy was made up of volunteers from Britain, Ireland, Belgium and Malaysia who had raised hundreds of thousands of pounds in their local communities to pay for ambulances, minibuses, vans and lorries. These vehicles were then filled with medical and other aid supplies desperately needed in Gaza.
The Gaza Strip has been under a complete Israeli siege, with full cooperation of Egypt, ever since the Hamas resistance movement, which does not recognize Israel as a sovereign state, won parliamentary elections in a surprise victory in 2007.
Israel's three-week offensive against Gaza in December 2008 and January 2009, which left more than 1,400 Palestinians dead, deteriorated the already dire situation there.
The Israeli assault led to the destruction of schools, mosques, houses as well as UN compounds, inflicting $1.6 billion damage on the Gazan economy.
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de Israel Lobby
7-1-2010
'No one can starve them into surrender'
Het hulpconvooi Viva Palestina is na een maand eindelijk in Gaza aangekomen. Brits onafhankelijk parlementslid George Galloway: "My point is this: only the Palestinian people have the right to choose their leadership. That was true when it was Arafat, and it's true now, when they vote for people that the Weste and Israel don't like. You can't choose other people's leaders. And I'm sure going to leave here, absolutely convinced that the Palestinians here will never be starved into surrender. Anyone who's counting on that, wether Israel, or anybody else ... is making a big mistake. They don't know this people, if they think they can starve them into surrender. This Palestinian people ... will never surrender."
28 december: Palestinians hold candles as they take part in a memorial ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of Israel's offensive in Gaza, in front of the UNSCO building in Gaza City, Monday, Dec. 28, 2009.
30 december: Gaza Freedom March activists gather by buses in order to board them to the Gaza crossing border, inthe center of Cairo, Egypt Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009. The Egyptian Authorities granted access permission to 100 activists from the more than 1300 that arrived to Egypt from 43 countries on their way to Gaza to mark the first anniversary of the Israeli war in Gaza, as part of a deal to sort their appeal for access permission before the deal was turned down by activists in the last minute demanding permission for all.
31 december: Activists hold Palestinian flags during a march organized by Israeli and international activists marking the anniversary of the war and calling for the end of the blockade on Gaza, at Erez Crossing between Israel and Gaza Strip, seen in the background, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009. Hundreds of demonstrators rallied on opposite sides of a border crossing between Israel and Gaza on Thursday to protest the Israeli-Egyptian blockade of the seaside territory.
2 januari: Israeli left wing activists play music during a rally marking the first anniversary of the war in Gaza Strip in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 2, 2010.
3 januari: Palestinian students of the American International school protest in front of the rubble of their building as they mark the first anniversary of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, in the town of Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.
6 januari: Palestinians throw stones at Egyptian soldiers during a gunbattle on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip January 6, 2010. An Egyptian soldier was killed and four Palestinians were wounded in a gunbattle on Wednesday during a protest against an anti-smuggling wall Cairo is building on the Gaza border.
6 januari: Jordanian demonstrators step on a picture of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak during a protest near the Egyptian embassy in Amman January 6, 2010. The demonstrators were protesting against Wednesday's clash at the port city of Arish, 40km (25 miles) from Egypt's border with Gaza, between Egyptian security forces and members of a convoy trying to take relief supplies to Palestinians in the Gaza strip.
6 januari: British member of Parliament George Galloway (L) and other international peace activist are welcomed by Palestinians upon their arrival at the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip December 6, 2010. Egypt has reached a deal with members of the aid convoy to take supplies to Palestinians in Gaza after protests overnight, but Cairo barred their private cars from crossing, an Egyptian security source said.
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PressTV
Aid convoy breaks Israeli blockade of Gaza
6-1-2010
The Viva Palestina aid convoy entered Gaza Wednesday, after it received the approval of Egyptian authorities to bring into the besieged, impoverished coastal sliver several tons of humanitarian supplies.
The activists entered Gaza through Rafah border crossing. More than 500 international activists accompany the convoy organized by the British-based group Viva Palestina, a Press TV correspondent reported.
Fifty-nine vehicles were not allowed into the strip but the supplies were unloaded and taken through by the activists.
The Egyptian approval came after activists and security forces clashed earlier in the day when Cairo refused to allow part the aid convoy to pass through its land to the Hamas-ruled territory.
More than 55 activists and over a dozen members of the security forces were injured in the clashes. Some sixty convoy-members were also arrested.
Gaza has been under a tight Israeli blockade since June 2007 when the democratically elected Hamas took control of the area. Egypt has come under fire from Arab and Muslim groups for cooperating with Israel.
British lawmaker George Galloway, who is accompanying the convoy, said that the activists had been forced to renegotiate with the Egyptian authorities.
"We refused this because it's a breach of the agreement which we reached in Aqaba between the government of Egypt and the Turkish side," he said. "It is completely unconscionable that 25 percent of our convoy should go to Israel and never arrive in Gaza, because nothing that goes to Israel ever arrives in Gaza."
Egyptian authorities had also refused the convoy entry into the country from the Red Sea, forcing it to change course to a Mediterranean port.
MP/MD
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VIDEO PressTV
Egyptian police clash with Viva Palestina members
Hassan Ghani, Press TV, El-Arish --------------------------------
06 January 2010
VIVA PALESTINA OUR BOYS ARE IN GAZA!!!!!
The 5 Boys have arrived in Gaza!!! Sorry but we are celebrating here!!!! We watched them arrive with the ambulance on presstv, and then JJ was interviewed shortly after that, it was brill!! Having a wee celebration for one hour, than we will be back to post some videos to share with all our supporters!!
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VIVA Palestina report
Viva Palestina Break the siege of Gaza!
6-1-2010
After days of pressure imposed by the Egyptian authorities the Viva Palestina Convoy have 'triumphantly' entered Gaza this evening!
Despite being attacked by Egyptian riot police at the port of Al Arish last night, the 'strong willed' convoy of humanitarians from all over the world carrying much needed medical aid to the people of Gaza went ahead and was greeted with cheers from hundreds of well-wishers carrying flowers, warm smiles and chanting Viva Palestina!
Having agreed to Egyptian demands, the convoy of 500 people re-routed their journey from Aqaba in Jordan (some seven days ago), after receiving guarantees of a safe passage to Gaza. The recent actions of the Egyptian police are shameful.
Earlier today at the Rafah border violence broke out as hundreds of Palestinians began throwing stones across the border at Egyptian security forces, who then fired back at the protesters. This was in retaliation to the way the activists were treated by Egyptian police.
Viva Palestina convoy leader Kevin Ovenden says - We are all emotional to see that all of Gaza are out to greet us! - Our Viva Palestina convoy is symbolic! It shows the Palestianian people just how much the people of the West do care. We come in peace to deliver humanitarian aid and we hope that our convoy (and convoy's like ours) will help to build pressure on the Israeli government to break the siege.
The convoy aimed to cross the Rafah border into Gaza on 27 December 2009, to mark the first anniversary of the beginning of Israel’s 2008/9 land and air assault on Gaza, which killed 1,400 Palestinians in three weeks.
The Viva Palestina convoy is partnered with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and departed London on December 6 2009 and have travelled nearly 5,000 miles. The convoy has received a phenomenal support (since departing London), through it's route, Europe, Turkey, Syria and Jordan.
For further information on the Viva Palestina Gaza Aid Convoy visit www.vivapalestina.org
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Al Jazeera
Viva Palestina's bumpy road
By Dr Hanan Chehata
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Chehata says most of volunteers joined the group because of their convictions [Reuters]
6-1-2010
In an international effort to show solidarity with the Palestinian people, Viva Palestina (VP) volunteers from around the world have left their families and in some cases resigned from their jobs in order to take part in this humanitarian undertaking.
They have done this for no other reason than that they feel strongly about the crisis in Gaza. The images that they saw flash across their television screens during the assault on Gaza in 2008-9 has been seared into their minds.
It is sad that it took such a horrific tragedy to wake people up but one inevitable consequence of the Israeli attacks and their cruel blockade was certainly to educate the world as to the reality of the situation.
Civil action
Until that point many people could not even pinpoint Gaza on a map. Now they are spending their time and risking their personal safety to defend Gaza and its people.
Seeing the images of the chaos and destruction during the Gaza assault certainly mobilised a lot of people into civil action.
Immediately following the atrocities, those who were appalled by the number of civilians killed, who had seen the UN buildings, schools, mosques and hospitals deliberately targeted decided that they could no longer sit back or pretend that they did not know what was taking place.
Ignorance was no longer an excuse. Action was called for and multiple tactics were employed from the grassroots level upwards. Protests and demonstrations were held, MPs were bombarded with emails and letters, campaigns to boycott Israeli goods were put into action and yet, while all of this has drawn attention to the plight of the Gazans, the situation has not improved.
In fact, the siege is tightening and the condition of the people living there has deteriorated considerably. More direct action was clearly required. People were becoming increasingly disillusioned by the inaction of their governments and, in some cases, their direct complicity in Israel's oppression and aggression against the Palestinian people.
Thus enters VP 2009. Here was finally a way for individuals who felt betrayed by their government's to take direct action and be themselves a tangible part of the solution.
By physically taking in the aid that Israel would not otherwise let through, not only is the convoy alleviating the short term suffering of the Palestinian people by providing them with desperately needed medicine, clothes and other vital humanitarian aid but it is also refocusing attention on the ongoing crisis that exists in Gaza.
However, in a fairly unexpected turn of events a new actor has walked into the scene. If you ask anybody the question, "who is responsible for the siege on Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian people?", they will inevitably respond "Israel", and rightly so.
Cairo's complicity
While Egyptian government has been complicit for a very long time now, its wrongdoings have been of a secondary nature. However, somehow, recently Egyptian government is succeeding, much to Israel's delight, in diverting attention away from the Israelis.
This has primarily been done by their insistence on placing unreasonable obstacles in the path of the convoy. For instance, the VP Convoy had planned to enter Gaza on December 27 to mark the first anniversary of the attack.
That was intended to show how, one year on, the siege continues to compound the suffering of the Gazans. They have not been allowed to rebuild their homes or their lives.
Instead of being in Gaza and handing over the aid to the waiting recipients on 27th of December as planned, the VP Convoy was stranded in a compound in Jordan with hundreds of vans and ambulances full of aid. The reason for this was that Egypt had refused to grant permission for the convoy to pass through the necessary part of their territory.
The Egyptian government has been extremely uncooperative and have fought VP every step of the way. While VP has done their utmost to accede to their demands, the Egyptian authorities continued to place more onerous conditions which George Galloway, the British MPand VP leader, has said he is unwilling to undertake.
These include dealing with the Israeli government directly. Why should VP have to deal with Israel when the issue is about taking aid from one Arab country to another?
Extra cost
Eventually, we were forced to return to Syria from where we chartered special flights to transport us to El-Arish while our vehicles were loaded onto ferries.
The extra cost, which exceeded $300,000, could have meant the total collapse of the mission because the sum required was most certainly beyond the reach of individual convoy members.
Thanks to the generosity of the Turkish contingent and a few other Arab donors, we managed to continue with our journey.
There is absolutely no justification for the Egyptians' stalling tactics. Even now after our arrival in El-Arish and in spite of previous agreements, we are confronted with new obstacles, namely the number of vehicles allowed to enter.
Egypt refused access to Gaza, angering the convoy of activists [AFP]
Instead of making the transition as easy as possible for those who have taken it upon themselves to do the job that frankly Arab governments should be doing, Egypt seems to be almost punishing the Convoy for daring to try and help the people of Palestine and are playing a power game, trying to show who is in control, a completely unnecessary game to play, against merely powerless individuals, considering what is at stake.
Frustration, anger and disgust with the Egyptian government have naturally increased incrementally as the days have passed. They have been the subject of much vilification.
I have spoken to many people who have vowed to boycott Egypt from now on.
It is bad enough that Egypt is allying itself with Israel, the aggressor, against the victim, Palestine, by tightening the siege and restricting access to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing but shortly before we left home the news that they were building an underground steel wall at Rafah to block off access to the tunnels, the one lifeline to Gaza, set the tone for everyone's disgust.
Worse still, while we are sitting miles away from our destination, stranded and tired we received news that Benjamin Netanyahu was welcomed into Cairo with open arms. What a disgraceful state of affairs! A convoy of humanitarian aid is treated with hostility while the perpetrators war crimes are welcomed with open arms!
Role of villain
Egypt has had every opportunity to redeem and to recast itself in the role of the hero. Instead they have needlessly and voluntarily cast themselves in the role of villain.
I am half English and half Egyptian and used to be so proud of that fact but since Egypt have chosen to ally itself so unnecessarily and immorally with Israel, I feel a profound sense of shame.
When Convoy members know of my heritage, I am bombarded with a tirade of very reasonable questions including "Why is Egypt adding to the suffering of the Palestinian people?" "Why are the Egyptians not helping their Muslim brothers and sisters - aren't they part of the Muslim Ummah (community) as well?" These are all perfectly reasonable questions to which I have no answers.
Now that we are on its territory, all that is left is to call upon Egypt allow our convoy through! I love Egypt and I love its people and have to keep reminding those that I meet that the Egyptian people are not being fairly represented by their government.
I fear that if it does not change its policies immediately they will be branded irrevocably with the same label deserved by Israel, War Criminals and villains of modern history.
Dr Hanan Chehata is travelling with the Viva Palestina convoy. She is director of public relations at the Middle East Monitor (MEMO), London. Her blogs from the convoy can be read on www.memonitor.org.uk
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06 January 2010
#6 VIVA PALESTINA ARRIVING NOW AT RAFAH
two things to report now. A message fro the boys:
happy days!! sitting in convoy taking 20 trucks at a time. smooth so far, will le tyou know upon arrival to Gaza!!!!
and a fellow traveler gave us this info here to watch live arrival:
Salaam,
Peace be upon those who follow the right guidance,
According to Palestinian TV, Al Quds, convoy arrived at the border, TV is reporting live, and convoy entry soon insha Allah
here is AL Quds TV link live : http://www.qudstv.com/LiveFeed.aspx
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06 January 2010
#5 VIVA PALESTINA SINN FEIN FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPOKESPERSON CALLS ON IRISH GOVT TO ENSURE SAFETY OF CONVOY
Sinn Féin Press Office
Leinster House
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
For immediate release 6th January 2009:
Foreign Affairs Minister must contact Egyptian authorities to ensure
safety of Irish peace convoy members – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on Minister Mícheál Martin to make contact with the Egyptian Government in order to ensure the safety of a number of Irish citizens who are part of a peace convoy to Palestine which has been held up by Egyptian riot
police.
Egyptian authorities are refusing to allow approximately sixty aid
trucks into Gaza and approximately two thousand Egyptian riot police
have surrounded 450 members of the Viva Palestina peace convoy at the
Egyptian port of el-Arish. Ten members of the convoy have been injured,
four of them seriously.
Deputy Ó Snodaigh said today:
“Members of the Viva Palestina convoy are simply attempting to get much
needed medical supplies to the people of Gaza. The aggressive behaviour
of the Egyptian authorities towards this peace convoy is unacceptable.
“Foreign Affairs Minister Mícheál Martin must make urgent contact with
his Egyptian counterpart to ensure the safety of the Irish members of
this group.” ENDS
Read all the latest Sinn Féin press releases online by clicking on NEWSROOM
at www.sinnfein.ie
--------------------------------06 January 2010
#4 VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY ON THE MOVE
just off the phone, they say they are just about to leave now. People are packing up and getting ready to head to Rafah right now inshallah!!! more when I hear it, BREAK THAT SIEGE
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#3 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE 6 JAN 13:52 GMT
Here are some reports from the Derry 5. One is from last night after the attack but only received today, the other is from a few hours ago:
Yesterday we had successfully arrived at the port of Al-Arish. All the 220 vehicles were there, joined with the 450 volunteers. It seemed only a matter of time before we left for Rafah, 15 miles down the road. George and the rest of the leadership announced that talks were ongoing, but everything suggested that we should be in Gaza by late yesterday afternoon. It was great; we thought we were finally going to make it, elbowing Egypt out of the spotlight and turning it on the great people of Palestine.
Instead this happened. Kevin Ovenden said at around 730pm that negotiations were in a critical stage and we needed to make our voices heard. This advice was taken many different ways. I got the idea that the Egyptians had gone back on their word to let the whole convoy in, but rather they were letting everyone in, except 70 cars from USA that didn’t have any medical aid anyway.
Anyway, people did make their voices heard and began to chant and shout inside the compound as the negotiations went on in the balcony up above. An energetic crowd gathered and made its way to the gate of the compound. It was mainly the Turk contingent joined by some of the British. Anyway, the crowd was greeted by Ovenden and Galloway who were on the balcony above.
The crowd made its way to the gate and broke it. At this point, there was only about 20 Egyptian police around, and they seemed scared. But the riot police had been preparing up the hill all day and they soon surrounded us. The Egyptian official had walked out of negotiations and ordered the riot police in. There was a standoff between ourselves and around at least 400 or more riot police. They encircled us at the gate, and drove a massive water tanker to block of the exit about 15 yards away from the gate.
At the beginning, it was a peaceful protest, singing and making noise. The Egyptians were there to be provoked, no doubt, but they needed a reason. This went on for about 1 hour 30 mins, and then all hell broke loose. I don’t know who threw the first stone but the Egyptians seemed to have prepared stones to be thrown. A running battle went on for about 30 minutes, mainly the Egyptians hurtling stones at us. Some people fought back with stones and sticks against the riot police with batons. Five seasoned Derry men stood at the back. Ole hands at these riots.
The end result was up to 20 people injured, head injuries and even worse it appears. There was news that the Turks had captured 3 Egyptians police as hostages but they were later released. There was a deadly atmosphere amongst the compound. This wasn’t the way it was suppose to work out, we should of been heading for Gaza. At this point, it’s too early to see where the blame lies.
Galloway made his way onto the stage, looking very shaken and holding prayer beads, he recalled the progression of events that I have just told, and once again, encouraged people to protest throughout the world against the Egyptians. He said we wouldn’t be going anywhere soon'. We went to bed after that.
So another massive change of events, and I think the whole thing has had a negative rather than positive effect on proceedings. A lot of people think this way and I could see a lot of people going home. If that is possible I do not know, because as I was going out to the internet café to send this, they gave me hassle and took my passport. Who knows what will happen today
The five of us are going to have a team meeting shortly and discuss flights. We are due to fly out today but won’t make it at this point. Things have gone by in impasse for too long, it’s become a game of political football, we just came for the people of Gaza and we are still not there after more than 4 weeks. Still no matter who goes home, we will show patience and wait at least until Sunday to see what transpires. But definitely, this morning we are disappointed and have no sight of what the future holds.
I have lots of pictures of the riot but this pc won’t let me upload them.All the best, and thanks for the support once again. The 5 boys
NEW UPDATE: they said in a 2nd message today that they expect to leave for Rafah today and be allowed to stay for 48 hours inside Gaza. The 59-60 vehicles in question will not be going in but will be retained in the possession of Turkey, not Egypt. All members are said to have been cleared to enter Gaza, just not those 59-60 vehicles from the USA. They hope all this is true and that they will leave for Rafah soon. But my guess is that no one will leave for hours, not after the fracas at the Rafah border a few hours ago where 2 Palestinians were shot and injured by Egyptian security. I’ve seen over the last hour on live television the Gaza police and Gaza border control agents attempting to clear all the people from the border. Once they have all been cleared and some time passes, perhaps Egypt will let the convoy go sometime tonight and quickly enter after dark. Just a hunch, but if it is going to happen today, it will be tonight when things are settled and less media around. Otherwise tomorrow night after dark. That is what I think anyway. We will see. Any more updates I’ll get them up quickly.
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VIVA Palestina Press Release
Egyptian Police attack Humanitarian Gaza Aid Convoy
6-1-2009
Last night Egyptian police again delayed the Viva Palestina aid convoy carrying much needed aid from reaching the people of Gaza. Having agreed to Egyptian demands whilst being stranded in the port of Aqaba some seven days ago, convoy leaders agreed to re-route their journey after receiving guarantees from the Egyptian authorities of a safe passage to Gaza.
Humanitarians from all over the world transporting the aid were attacked by riot police in the port of Al-Arish last night (5th January). And it is now reported that some of the activists were hospitalised overnight for their injuries. They have since returned back to re-join the convoy members in the port and thankfully have no life threatening issues.
British and national embassies are being kept informed of the situation.
Protests broke out when Egyptian authorities at Al - Arish ordered some lorries to use an Israeli-controlled checkpoint. The activists preferred the goods to be transported via Egypt's Rafah crossing as agreed.
George Galloway who is leading the convoy said Israel is likely to prevent it entering Gaza - This morning he told Sky News. "It is completely unconscionable that 25% of our convoy should go to Israel and never arrive in Gaza."
Following Israel’s horrific attack on Gaza, people all over Britain worked for months raising funds for aid and aid vehicles for the Palestinian people. Those taking the aid are humanitarians from all walks of life, who have given up a month to bring the much needed medical aid in a gesture of solidarity with their continuing oppression under Israel’s illegal siege.
Betty Hunter, General Secretary of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign said, “It is shocking that the Egyptian government is behaving in this way. There can be no justification for preventing this aid and the people who have worked so hard to provide it from reaching Gaza. The Palestinians are waiting for this well publicised international convoy to arrive and these actions of the Egyptian government, and the building of Egypt’s steel wall signal that Egypt is colluding with the Israeli government’s illegal siege of Gaza.”
Viva Palestina 'The Return to Gaza' is partnered with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and departed London on 6th December bound for Gaza.
For further information on the Viva Palestina convoy visit www.vivapalestina.org
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London Evening Standard
Riot police attack Britons in Gaza aid convoy
By Terry Kirby
Hotspot: 50 people were injured as riot police confronted activists in an aid convoy
6-1-2010
British members of a convoy of pro-Palestinian activists trying to take aid into Gaza have been injured in clashes with Egyptian riot police.
The violence in the port of Al Arish erupted after the activists staged a demonstration protesting at the refusal of the Egyptian authorities to allow the convoy of more than 250 vehicles into the Gaza strip.
Convoy members — about 50 of whom were British — claim plain clothes police officers threw stones at them while uniformed officers attacked with tear gas and batons.
More than 50 of the 520 people with the convoy were injured, 10 of whom required hospital treatment. Six were arrested, although they were due to be released today.
George Galloway, the Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, condemned the Egytian authorities as “brutal, abitary and capricious”. He said: “This is a dictatorship funded by the United States and Israel who are stopped aid getting into Gaza. The people who fought back last night would be hailed as heroes if this was happening in some other countries, like Burma.”
He also said most of the British convoy members were Muslims.
Alexandra Lort Phillips, 37, a youth worker from Enfield who took leave from her job to join the convoy, said there was a “lot of fear” in the port compound.
“I can't see why you need several hundred riot people to attack a humanitarian convoy. We started getting pelted with stones by people in plain clothes, then the police started moving in, using tear gas and batons. People were quite severely beaten.”
This week convoy members staged noisy protests after Egyptian officials took away their passports and there was a lengthy delay in giving them back.
After negotiations overnight with Egyptian officials, all of those arrested were due to be released and the convoy was making its was towards the border crossing of Rafah, where it has been allowed 48 hours inside Gaza to offload food and medical supplies.
Source
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Press association
Gaza aid Brits 'beaten by police'
(UKPA)
6-1-20101
British members of a humanitarian convoy trying to take aid to Gaza were among dozens of people injured during clashes with Egyptian police.
Around 520 people were travelling with the 150 trucks full of supplies when clashes broke out Tuesday night at the port city of El Arish, near Gaza.
One of the members, Alexandra Lort-Phillips, 37, who works for Enfield Youth Offending Service in north London, said: "I have 42 people in my team, and out of those three Britons have been injured. There are head injuries, cuts.
"We started getting pelted with stones by people in plain clothes, then the police started moving in, using tear gas and batons. People were quite severely beaten."
She said seven or eight of the convoy members had to be treated in hospital, and blamed "heavy-handed" policing of their group.
Protests reportedly broke out when Egyptian authorities at El Arish ordered some lorries to use an Israeli-controlled checkpoint.
The activists would prefer the goods to be transported via Egypt's Rafah crossing.
British MP George Galloway, leading the convoy, said Israel is likely to prevent it entering Gaza.
He told Sky News: "It is completely unconscionable that 25% of our convoy should go to Israel and never arrive in Gaza."
Earlier this week convoy members staged noisy protests after Egyptian officials took away their passports and there was a lengthy delay in giving them back.
Source
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06 January 2010
SINN FEIN CONCERN FOR DERRY FIVE VIVA CONVOY
McCartney expresses concern for Derry men on 'Viva Plaestina' convoy
Derry Sinn Féin MLA, Raymond McCartney, has expressed concern for the safety of five young Derry men travelling on the ‘Viva Palestina’ medical aid convoy to Gaza which is currently detained in the port of El Arish on the Egypt / Gaza border.
Raymond McCartney said:
“Sinn Féin has been in contact with family members of the Derry men involved in the medical aid for Gaza ‘Viva Palestina’ Convoy. The families are obviously very concerned about the circumstances pertaining in El Arish where there are unconfirmed reports of confrontation between the participants of the convoy and riot police. We share in that concern. Sinn Féin has been informed by family members that they have spoken to their relatives on the convoy and that although none of them have been injured there are injuries among some of the convoy participants.
“The five young Derry men are part of the ‘Viva Plaestina’ Convoy travelling to Gaza in an attempt to deliver much needed medical aid to the area which is presently under an Israeli imposed blockade. It is a humanitarian relief effort which deserves our support.
“Whatever tensions may have arisen between the convoy and the authorities in El Arish it is essential that we focus our attention on the innocent victims in Gaza who urgently need this medical aid. Leaders of the convoy and the authorities should seek to resolve any difficulties in a peaceful manner and one which respects the human rights of those Palestinians living under siege in Gaza.
“I will be keeping in close contact with the relatives of the convoymembers and will support efforts to ensure the men’s safety and well-being. Sinn Féin at the highest level will also be in touch with the Irish government urging their intervention with the authorities in El Arish calling for respect for the humanitarian nature of this convoy.”
ENDS
Source
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06 January 2010
#2 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE 10:35 GMT 6 JAN
UPDATED I keep forgetting to add things I post on twitter to the blog here, sorry bout that but it's getting confusing. I heard that the convoy has been forced to accept leaving behind those 60 vehicles. Turkey will take control and possession of them, not Egypt. Also, Just got a message from the boys:
Thanking everyone for all their support yesterday. Everything OK here. We are leaving for Rafah within hours for 48 hour stay inside Gaza. Till we enter we won't know if it's true or not. Things are settled here now so all looks good. Will text when in Gaza.
The 5 Boys
More as we get it:)
Source
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06 January 2010
#1 VIVA PALESTINE 6 JAN
Tiny update, hearing the 59-60 vehicles are to be left behind, Turkey to take them. People are hoping to get in today. Meanwhile in Gaza, people are holding a march/rally to the Rafah border on the Gaza side angry about attack on convoy.
Source
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Omroep Brabant
6-1-2010
AL-ARISH (ANP) - Meer dan vijftig mensen zijn dinsdagavond gewond geraakt toen activisten in de noordoostelijke Egyptische havenstad Al-Arish slaags raakten met de politie. Een groep van ruim vijfhonderd mensen onder leiding van de Britse parlementariër George Galloway wil een konvooi hulpgoederen de belegerde Gazastrook inloodsen.
De Egyptische autoriteiten hebben uiteindelijk toestemming gegeven voor 139 voertuigen van het konvooi om de grens in Rafah over te steken en de Palestijnse Gazastrook binnen te gaan. Maar 59 andere voertuigen mochten dat niet, tot woede van de activisten. De Egyptische autoriteiten stellen dat de overige lading via Israël naar de Gazastrook moet. Bij botsingen tussen de politie en de boze pro-Palestijnse activisten raakten bij de haven van Al-Arish veertig betogers en vijftien agenten gewond volgens meldingen van hulpverleners en ooggetuigen.
Israël en Egypte hebben de dichtbevolkte Gazastrook sinds halverwege 2007 vrijwel afgesloten omdat daar de radicale Palestijnse partij, Hamas, de macht naar zich had toegetrokken. Hamas had de Palestijnse verkiezingen een jaar eerder overtuigend gewonnen, tot ongenoegen van de Israëlische en Egyptische machthebbers.
Bron
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VIVA Palestina report
5-1-2010
To all friends of Palestine
Our situation is now at a crisis point! Riot has broken out in the port of Al- Arish.
This late afternoon we were negotiating with a senior official from Cairo who left negotiations some two hours ago and did not return. Our negotiations with the official was regarding taking our aid vehicles into Gaza.
He left two hours ago and did not come back. Egyptian authorities called over 2,000 riot police who then moved towards our camp at the port.
We have now blocked the entrance to the port and we are now faced with riot police and water cannons and are determined to defend our vehicles and aid.
The Egyptian authorities have by their stubbornness and hostility towards the convoy, brought us to a crisis point.
We are now calling upon all friends of palestine to mount protests in person where possible, but by any means available to Egyptian representatives, consulates and Embassy's and demand that the convoy are allowed a safe passage into Gaza tomorrow!
Kevin Ovenden
Viva Palestina Convoy Leader
Source
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Elsevier
Gewonden bij protest over Gazastrook
woensdag 6 januari 2010 06:24
AL-ARISH (ANP) - Meer dan vijftig mensen zijn dinsdagavond gewond geraakt toen activisten in de noordoostelijke Egyptische havenstad Al-Arish slaags raakten met de politie. Een groep van ruim vijfhonderd mensen onder leiding van de Britse parlementariër George Galloway wil een konvooi hulpgoederen de belegerde Gazastrook inloodsen.
De Egyptische autoriteiten hebben uiteindelijk toestemming gegeven voor 139 voertuigen van het konvooi om de grens in Rafah over te steken en de Palestijnse Gazastrook binnen te gaan. Maar 59 andere voertuigen mochten dat niet, tot woede van de activisten. De Egyptische autoriteiten stellen dat de overige lading via Israël naar de Gazastrook moet. Bij botsingen tussen de politie en de boze pro-Palestijnse activisten raakten bij de haven van Al-Arish veertig betogers en vijftien agenten gewond volgens meldingen van hulpverleners en ooggetuigen.
Israël en Egypte hebben de dichtbevolkte Gazastrook sinds halverwege 2007 vrijwel afgesloten omdat daar de radicale Palestijnse partij, Hamas, de macht naar zich had toegetrokken. (Helaas weer "hasbara" H.) Hamas had de Palestijnse verkiezingen een jaar eerder overtuigend gewonnen, tot ongenoegen van de Israëlische en Egyptische machthebbers.
Bron
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06 January 2010
#10 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE, LAST ONE I HOPE
Many thanks to “D from Turkey” who gave us these links to videos of the pre-meditated attack tonight shown on Turkish television. The first link is a longer version, the second is a shorter version. Both are in Turkish, but no words are needed to see what happened, this is a disgrace!
Long version VIDEO
Short version VIDEO
We spent almost 3 hours in a blind panic unable to locate our people, only their phones were found on the ground and answered by strangers. Some people are STILL missing. THIS is what it was like for us on this blog as it happened. God knows what tomorrow will bring after this attack. Hopefully the Egyptians have had enough fun and games and will now let them get on with their work of delivering the ambulances and aid to those who are in need of it.
Source
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05 January 2010
#9 UPDATE ON CONVOY ATTACK
Small amount of news to report. Still recovering from the last several hours of our boys being missing and under attack. That was an awful time! Especially when only their phones were found and not them!! So spoke to one of them again just now and they say 20 members were injured in the attack and there are some people for the convoy who are missing and cannot be found. For those following the convoy from Cork Ireland, just to let you know, I asked and your people on the convoy are all OK as well. Just thought you'd want to know that:) Up da Irish!! haven't heard about the Dungannon team, but I was told all the Irish are OK. Well done! More when we get it. What a night, had enough of this already let them in!!
Source
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05 January 2010
#8 UPDATE VIVA PALESTINA ATTACK
Here's the latest news. Managed to finally get JJ on phone for few minutes his phone died after that. but he said they are alright, THANK GOD!! Also said what we reported before, outsiders arrived armed with sticks and stones entered the compound and attacked the members and were joined by Egyptian police squad. There are several members injured, heads and arms bandaged. Rumours are flying around about other things as well, like people still missing and such. for now i'm glad our guys are OK. More when we get it. At least we can breath now knowing they are alright for the moment. Thanks for everyones support!!!
Source
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VIVA Palestina report
5-1-2010
To all friends of Palestine
Our situation is now at a crisis point! Riot has broken out in the port of Al- Arish.
This late afternoon we were negotiating with a senior official from Cairo who left negotiations some two hours ago and did not return. Our negotiations with the official was regarding taking our aid vehicles into Gaza.
He left two hours ago and did not come back. Egyptian authorities called over 2,000 riot police who then moved towards our camp at the port.
We have now blocked the entrance to the port and we are now faced with riot police and water cannons and are determined to defend our vehicles and aid.
The Egyptian authorities have by their stubbornness and hostility towards the convoy, brought us to a crisis point.
We are now calling upon all friends of palestine to mount protests in person where possible, but by any means available to Egyptian representatives, consulates and Embassy's and demand that the convoy are allowed a safe passage into Gaza tomorrow!
Kevin Ovenden
Viva Palestina Convoy Leader
Source
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05 January 2010
#7 LATEST ON ATTACK OF CONVOY PEOPLE HURT AND MISSING
Ok I’m trying to calm down and gather as much information as possible. Here is the story from people at the scene. People we dont even know, who answered phones that belong to our boys who are missing right now! I need to preface this by saying that NONE of our boys can be located at this time!! One of their phones was answered by an Arabic man who found it on the ground and said the convoy members were currently under attack. Then later we tried to ring the other boys and got no answer either. Then we tried again later and ALL the phones were turned OFF they did not even ring! Later still, we tried Derek’s phone and a British lady answered named Pat. We do not know “Pat” she found Derek’s phone on the ground and answered it. She said that the whole thing happened when convoy members were still locked inside this gated compound, then suddenly a very large group of plain clothes “people” arrived at the compound with sticks and stones, they were then allowed into the compound by the Egyptians and began attacking the convoy members trapped inside with no where to go. The Egyptians then joined in the attack when the plain clothes vigil antes arrived and went inside to attack. “Pat” said people are hurt and on the ground.
“Pat” said she is unable to find any of our boys. She said there are injured people and she has been going round to help them but so far have not seen out boys, she will keep looking. We continue to try their phones but no contact. I can tell you that our people would be the type to keep their heads down and not get involved in attacking people. But when you are cornered into a fenced compound with no where to go everyone is a sitting duck target, even if you are minding your own business.
We are all so very worried here in Ireland and we continue to try to contact our people. We will update more as soon as we can.
Source
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05 January 2010
#6 URGENT!!! CONVOY UNDER ATTACK
We are very worried, very worried indeed!!! Riot police earlier moved barriers forward and went after convoy members who were confined. Tear gas, water cannons rock throwing, they are under full on attack as I type this!!! Tried to call JJ and unable to get an answer. Tried another Derry man and an Arabic man answered saying the phone had been knocked away to the ground. Said the convoy members are cornered. god help them!!! Unable to contact ANY OF OUR BOYS!!! we will keep trying!!!!!!!!
This is UTTERLY OUTRAGEOUS!!!
Source
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05 January 2010
#5 UPDATE VIVA PALESTINA TROUBLE AT AL ARISH
Ok I wanted to get confirmation a 2nd time before posting this. Here’s the story I got. The convoy vehicles are in a fenced, locked and gated compound at Al Arish. The convoy members are WITH the vehicles inside this locked gated compound and are currently locked inside the compound.
Negotiations were going on between the Viva people and the Egyptians, I don’t know what that was about, but the members were trapped inside this compound and not being allowed out with or without their vehicles. Then, negotiations broke down between the VP people and Egyptians. At that point people inside the compound began to make their voices heard by chanting and shouting etc And trying to get out of the locked compound. A convoy vehicle hit the gate, At that point 300 riot squads encircled the compound and brought in a military water cannon type vehicle to keep the members and vehicles inside this gated and locked compound.
Now, after a short while the VP people emerged again and told people to calm down, that they and the Egyptians were again negotiating. And that is where we are right now. On the 2nd phone call things sounded MUCH calmer and under control, which is a good thing! People need to keep their heads about them at this stage. Because the first call was so chaotic I didn’t want to post anything until I got through again to be honest. I hope this is the end of the chaos and it all goes smoothly tomorrow inshallah, we will see.
The boys managed to get photos of the riot squad and all the chaos as it happened, but has no way to get them online until he gets to Gaza. When I hear more I’ll pass it on.
Source
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05 January 2010
#4 UPDATE VIVA PALESTINA MORE PROBLEMS
Trouble in Al Arish AGAIN! Just got a text message, they have not been allowed to leave as they thought. Here’s the latest:
Still at Al Arish, Negotiaions are under way. Egyptians tying to move the goalposts again. All in all we expect to enter early tomorrow morning for possible 24 hours stay inside Gaza. That’s all for now The 5 Boys
Source
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05 January 2010
#2 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE 5 JANUARY
Just received another message from the boys:
Heading to Rafah within hours but don't expect to enter ASAP, there will be battle Galloway said.
More as we get them, but they are about to leave for the border now inshallah.
Source
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05 January 2010
#2 VIVA PALESTINA~DERRY TO GAZA UPDATE 5 JANUARY
No sooner than we got the #1 VIVA PALESTINA update posted here for today, the mobile phone went off with a message from JJ updating the situation. Here's the text message as we received it:
Just arrived in Al Arish. other squad got passports back lastnight & stayed in hotel. So we're sitting waiting for luggage here and hoping for the best. We won't move till rest of convoy comes
What he is referring to is this from Alice Howard:
My last message to all of you was that the Viva Palestina convoy members have arrived into Al-Arish and were just hours away from breaking the siege of Gaza.
Now, I report to you that in the past hour 157 Viva Palestina convoy members passports were taken away at Al-Arish airport by the Egyptian authorities. The Egyptians also removed the passport’s of British MP George Galloway and convoy leader Kevin Ovenden.
All passports were stamped in on entry but also received an exit stamp too. The Egyptian’s wanted 157 convoy members to drive tonight to Gaza and forget about the other 400 Viva Palestina volunteers that were yet to fly into Al-Arish tonight.
Egyptian authorities say that the 400 volunteers would not be allowed entry! Convoy members started a sit down riot and refused to move or leave without their fellow convoy Brothers and Sisters!
I am now pleased to say that all passports have been returned back to their rightful owners and exit stamps have been removed – We won that battle! – Now convoy members are scouting for hotels for tonight and will return tomorrow to be reunited with all convoy members, before moving on, to pick up their vehicles and head for their final destination, Gaza!
Well as you can see that the situation is changing by the hour and I am now calling for all of you to gather at Egyptian Embassies, consulates and interests tomorrow. It will be either to shame the Egyptian government for blocking the convoy further or to celebrate Viva Palestina entering Gaza and organising further solidarity.
Viva Palestina convoy will fight all the way to deliver the aid to Gaza!
Alice Howard
information@vivapalestine.org
NOTE, last message jsut received says they are just waiting for last plane to land at Al Arish, then they will all be heading to Gaza!! fingers crossed inshallah!!
Source
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04 January 2010
#3 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE PLANE MALFUNCTION
Two things to report. firstly there is buzz on twitter about peoples passports being not returned after Egyptians take them and issue visas, this is NORMAL procedure. You get the passports back when you enter the gate to go through to Gaza. That's how it was for us. Next there is an update from the boys, a frightening one at that. They were in the process of flying to Al Arish when the plane malfunctioned and was diverted to Damascus where is is undergoing repairs now. Evidently people heard the noise in the air, scary stuff........
You wouldn’t t believe it. 1st flight at 4PM arrived Al Arish ok. We departed at 8PM been diverted to Damascus due to tech problems with plane. It’s genuine, people heard noise. Waiting for plane 2b fixed should be on way shortly still good spirits here. Expect to fly to Al Arish in few hours time.
Source
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PressTV
Viva Palestina arrives in Egypt to enter Gaza
 |
4-1-2010
Viva Palestina humanitarian aid convoy has arrived in the Egyptian port city of El-Arish to pass thought the Rafah border crossing into the Gaza Strip.
A Turkish ship, which carries the convoy from the Syrian port of Lattakia to Egypt, arrived in El-Arish on Sunday evening, said Gamal Abdel Maqsoud, head of El-Arish port.
The ship carrying the 250-vehicle convoy will be unloaded at the port and be transferred to the Gaza Strip via Rafah crossing, according to Egypt's official MENA news agency.
According to the report, 528 activists from 17 countries who are onboard the convoy will also travel to Gaza.
Five Turkish lawmakers will also join the UK-based convoy on Monday.
They are expected to enter Gaza on Tuesday evening and will stay for 24 hours to deliver all humanitarian aids to the Gazan authorities.
The convoy, which departed from London on December 6, was scheduled to deliver medical, humanitarian and educational aid to Gazans on December 27.
It was, however, forced to return to Syria from the Jordanian port city of Aqaba after Cairo refused to allow it to go through the Red Sea port of Nuweiba — the most direct route.
Cairo insisted that the convoy can only enter through the Mediterranean port city of El-Arish.
Source
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04 January 2010
#2 VIVA PALESTINA~DERRY TO GAZA~ UPDATE 4 JANUARY
JJ Crockett January 4 at 11:17am Reply
Hello folks, cautious excitement is the mood here, we're ready to explode upon entry to gaza but we are aware through lots of experience that things can change rapidly. But for now, things are looking great, and we are nearing the successful completion of a great journey that we hope will contribute to ending the siege of Gaza. And what an achievement that will be for all the people who took any part in this campaign.
Firstly, the cargo ferry had arrived at Al-Arish earlier this morning and all the vehicles had passed through the customs successfully, without any change being made to the aid within the vehicles. Brilliant!! Never expected this and more importantly it suggests the Egyptians want us in and out asap without delay. So the vehicles are now waiting for us to pick them up at the port of Al-Arish, which as i have said before is only 25 kms from GAZA!!!
Secondly, the transfer of all 450 passengers will be carried out by 4 different runs by the same plane. The first one will begin at 4pm, followed by 8pm, 12pm and then finally 4am. The Derry team are on the 8pm flight. We do not know what to expect upon arrival in al-arish but the management and diplomats have been spread throughout the flights to encounter possible challenges. If all goes well, all 450 people with vehicles will be in Al-Arish by around 8am tomorrow morning. What happens then, i do not know at this point.
I will be sure to update u of anything happens in the next 24-36 hours which are critical. I expect the flights to arrive without a problem, then once in Egypt the challenge will start. I will keep u updated for sure. Heading back now to pack bags for 8pm flights. The 5 of us are in good form here and thanks a lot once again. Almost there!
Source
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04 January 2010
#1 VIVA PALESTINA 4TH JANUARY
Not much to tell this morning, the boat has arrived in Al Arish and reports claim the cargo has cleared customs and security. We will see if this is so when the members arrive later this evening. The planes are to start flying convoy members over at 4PM today, their time. That is around 1PM Irish time. So we expect some sort of update upon the arrival of the team to Al Arish later today. We wish them all the BEST of luck in delivering the much needed ambulances and medical supplies and medicine they are carrying. How many ambulances were destroyed by Israel in their genocide last December. So this convoys cargo will help to replenish those which were destroyed by Israel. On the convoy; My immediate concern is that Egypt will possibly begin to reduce the amount of convoy members allowed into Gaza once they all arrive i Al Arish, this could be the next hurdle they face. e.g. The negotiations on how many can go in with the aid. I hope all goes swiftly as time is of the essence now. In the meantime here are some great comments from some important people regarding the convoy:
Stuart Littlewood
“I pledge that the UK will remain in the forefront of the humanitarian effort,” says Mr Brown. No, Viva Palestina are at the forefront while Brown and the other loafers twiddle their thumbs.
Noam Chomsky:
Dear Convoy: a message from Noam Chomsky!…
Despite the media blackout, which is a disgrace, this is turning out to be a really spectacular triumph, I think, and it’s hard to express properly my admiration and respect for those who are directly engaged.
It has to be a shot in the arm for the people in Gaza, and might stir up some opposition to the dictatorship in Egypt, which is exposing its brutality daily — to everyone except the US media (hope it’s better elsewhere). And I think a lot of people are going to come back home really invigorated.
Good luck in what lies ahead.
As the majority of us sit in our comfy homes around the world and type on our blogs; We should all be supportive of these regular folk just like us who saved money and asked for donations from strangers in order to sacrifice their own personal lives and time, being away from family over both Christmas and New Year, driving for almost 30 days, sleeping in all sorts of places, not having a decent meal or rest, all because they care about Gaza.
More updates when we get them today
Source
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HLN. be. Belgie
Belgisch hulpkonvooi nadert eindelijk Gaza
4-1-2010
Het konvooi heeft zich neergelegd bij de eis van Egypte om naar Gaza te rijden via Syrië en de Egyptische havenstad Al Arish aan de Middellandse Zee. Dat betekent een omweg van vele honderden kilometers en een urenlange boottocht.
Het konvooi probeert 250 vrachtwagens met onder meer medisch materiaal, geneesmiddelen en voedsel naar Gaza te brengen. De hulpgoederen komen uit verschillende Europese landen, Turkije en Amerika. Voor het eerst neemt ook een Belgische delegatie deel. Onder hen Stabroekenaar Timothy Vandewalle en Pieter Serraris uit Sint-Niklaas. Het is onder druk van Israël dat Egypte moeilijk doet en de toegang tot de Gazastrook beperkt.
Reis van een maand
"Gisterenmorgen is een cargo met alle voertuigen vertrokken vanuit de Syrische havenstad Latakia. Slechts zestig hulpverleners konden met het vrachtschip mee", vertellen Vandewalle en Serraris. "Om de andere hulpverleners naar Al Arish te vervoeren, moesten we vier vliegtuigen charteren. Die vertrokken afgelopen nacht. Vandaag of morgen hopen we dat we de hulpgoederen in de Gazastrook kunnen afleveren."
"Toch zijn we pas gerustgesteld wanneer we daar na een reis van één maand toekomen", legt het duo uit. De onverwachte reiskosten worden deels gedragen door een Turkse hulporganisatie en door de Maleisische overheid. (belga/adv)
04/01/10 08u18
Bron
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03 January 2010
VIVA PALESTINA~LAST UPDATE FOR TODAY 3RD JANUARY
(new photos after post) I expect this will be the last update for today, unless something urgent happens. I hope they all get a good nights rest for the next battle in Egypt at Al Arish with Egyptian Security and "customs", which is always a severe headache. I remember what the Hope Convoy went through for days at the port. It's imperative the Viva convoy gets through quickly in order to make it to Rafah before Egypt closes the gate in two more days.
Update of definite news “mucks” (short for Mo Chara, which means friends in Irish) -flights r delayed till 4PM 2morrow. We were waiting for security clearance and got it. One plane will start taking 3 loads 2morrow at 4PM. That’s it for now.
The 5 Boys
Here are a few more photos to enjoy from the trip so far:
Sleeping area whilst they were stranded and waiting CLICK TO ENLARGE:
HUGE SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY (4 photos)
CLICK TO ENLARGE:
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CLICK TO ENLARGE:
Check back for more updates tomorrow from the Derry to Gaza Viva Palestina team.
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03 January 2010
NEW PHOTOS~ VIVA PALESTINA~DERRY TO GAZA FIVE
We just got some great photos from the last 12-24 hours upload and posted below, and another wee note from the boys to further confirm what they reported earlier in great detail HERE.
Alrite folks, finally we have a bit of progress. The ferry with our vehicles has set sail to Al-Arish and will arrive within the next 12-15 hours. Last night, the Israelis had announced they were expanding their international waters to divert the boat. Yet another obstacle, but now we're getting use to jumping them. The five of us would like to thank you very much for your support and the actions you have taken to put pressure on the Egyptian government. I hope that your actions will be rewarded and the people of Palestine, who are just like ourselves, will take a step closer to freedom.
Thanks to the people of Derry and all over the world! Hope to update you again very soon, thanks again
The 5 boys
The boys passing time in the Ambulance with a bit of music, whilst stranded in Syria-CLICK TO ENLARGE
THE BOAT ARRIVES-CLICK TO ENLARGE
ALL HANDS ON DECK....LOADING THE BOAT,PEOPLE ARE EXCITED NOW-CLICK TO ENLARGE
BOAT BEING LOADED IN THE EARLY HOURS-CLICK TO ENLARGE
MORE AS WE GET IT
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03 January 2010
NEW UPDATE #2 VIVA PALESTINA THE LATEST NEWS
If you read our post just this morning HERE regarding the updated info on Israel. We have even more information in a detailed update below which we just received. The boys attempted to join us here in live chat, but their internet connection is dodgy at best, so we had to wait for email instead. This is the most recent update just received a few minutes ago.
JJ Crockett January 3 at 12:05pm Reply
Things have been changing rapidly in the last 12 hours, and now I will update you fully on developments, with the endpoint being a very good one, as it stands at the moment anyway.
Yesterday at 4pm we loaded the vehicles onto the cargo ferry from the Syrian port of Latakia. This was the Turkish ferry with a Turkish crew that was the outcome of the Egyptian-Turkish agreement to allow a ferry to sail from Syria and not the previous port we were at, Aqaba. So we loaded our vehicles onto the expected 18 hour crossing into Al-Arish. In the meantime we had not yet received 'security clearance' for our flights into Al-Airsh for Sunday (today). We were anxious that we were putting the cart before the horse but it seemed our only option.
At 8pm, further bad news came. 'Security clearance' had not yet been received and even worse, the ferry had not gone out to sail yet. The Israelis had announced that they were expanding their 'international waters' from 12km to 20kms, meaning that the ferry would have to re-co-ordinate its route. We were gutted to hear this, and thought that there would be an endless barrage of obstacles put in our path; with the end result being that we didn’t get into Egypt, never mind Gaza.
Things have improved dramatically since then. At 12pm today, Kevin Ovenden announced that the ship had set sail last night at 10pm on a new route that would extend its period of travel by 8 hours. Happy days we thought, now the confirmation of the flights would have to follow. Kevin said that they had received 'verbal assurances' from the Egyptians about our safe arrival by plane. Whilst on stage, however, he received confirmation that the airline would fly, regardless of clearance or not. So the first of four flights are due to fly out tomorrow at 4am and ideally arrive before the ferry to ensure safe and secure unloading.
So as it stands, and I emphasize that the goalposts are being moved all the time, the ferry has set sail, hopefully it will arrive sometime later this evening or tomorrow morning. Coincidentally, the flights are due to fly out at 4am Monday morning. Inshallah both the vehicles will arrive in Al_arish by Monday evening, and be able to be on the road for Gaza for Tuesday 5th January, one day before the gates are due to close.
This is all I know for now and if there are any developments, I will update u immediately. But all is planned for our entrance of aid and people.
The 5 boys
Source
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03 January 2010
#1 VIVA PALESTINE UPDATE SUNDAY 3RD AM
VIVA PALESTINE UPDATE,Derry to Gaza Team
THREE NEW UPDATES TO REPORT
We have been posting messages here as we get them, when we get them, exactly like we get them, word for word. We are doing this so people can see what they are going through. We have tried to get confirmation of yesterday’s report of Israel blocking by sea and were unable to get in contact with team until now. First, this went out last night:
> --------------------
> Subject: Convoy remains in Lataika - conflicting information
>
> The convoy was packed up and loaded onto the ferry this morning. The plan was for around twelve people to travel with all the vehicles on the boat.
>
> The boat has been held up in Lataika, Syria, due to bad weather at sea this afternoon and this evening.
>
> There is also a rumour circulating that the Israeli navy has announced that it will be performing military operations off its coastline, which would prevent other ships - including the convoy - from travelling nearby. We hope that this is not true, but there will be confirmation in the morning.
Things are chaotic there and rumours are spreading, people are fed up angry and lacking sleep. We just got the most recent update, there are two of them, here they are:
FIRST:
They expanded the waters by 12 miles but boat going around it. will be internet in 1 hour with fill update. All systems go 4 now!!
SECOND:
Ferry left at 10 last night. The airline has confirmed first of four flights will depart at 4am 2m,verbal assurance frm Egypt but airline going ahead anyway.we should arrive 2 nite all of us. Well get to internet shortly and update in detail. New craic.
So from my take it looks like Israel had a problem with the route and they are having to go round some 12 mile limit. This most likely last night was spread as a rumour that Israel was blocking the convoy by sea. Makes sense that way. Again, we are posting what we get because people are interested, however, we must all remember these people are exhausted and suffering from lack of rest for 30 days now. So cut them all some slack, as we all sit here in our comfy homes. Now I’m going to have an online chat with the boys in 1 hours, back after that with more.
Source
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2-01-2010
I just got a message from the Derry to Gaza team on the Viva Palestina convoy with the latest developments which are not very good for the Convoy or Gaza, They are hearing that Israel will be performing "military" operations in the waters, and the convoy cannot pass through.
This leaves them stranded and unable to make the deadline for crossing the Rafah border which Egypt has given them. When I get more updates I'll post them, that's it for now. Here's the message:
The boats were loaded with aid today and ready to leave for AL Arish, the plan was that we would meet them there, as we would fly to Al Arish and arrive before the boats.
However, the update is that the Israelis have just announced that they will be performing military operations in these waters and therefore the aid has no way of passing through these waters. So there is no point getting flights to Al Arish tomorrow as the aid wont be arriving. Of course, it now seems highly unlikely that we will get to the Rafah crossing between the 3rd and 6th when Egypt said the gates would be open to us. The Convoy is now brought to a total standstill. The Israelis have pulled a very dirty tactic here if what we are hearing is true. For now this is all we are hearing. More updates when we get them.
Derry to Gaza Team
update, it's now after midnight in Ireland, no more news, will check for any messages tomorrow
comment: Irish4Palestine said...
@Monica
the message you read, is the message we got from the boys in the convoy. As posted above,this is what they have heard
quote:
"The Israelis have pulled a very dirty tactic here if what we are hearing is true. For now this is all we are hearing"
Source
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02 January 2010
UPDATE~VIVA PALESTINA~DERRY TO GAZA
Just got the latest update from the Derry to Gaza team:
Just loaded vehicles into carryferry.Whilst it travels to Al-Arish,we await 'security clearance' to fly into 2moro from Egyptians.Its was a difficult decision separating from vehicles but was our only option at this point.We will hopefully fly 2moro or monday at latest.Once in Egypt, we are sure to enter Gaza but we are not yet in Egypt. We wait and wait...but it feels like the end is now near.
BREAK THAT SIEGE BOYS!
Source
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02 January 2010
VIVA PALESTINA~MESSAGE FROM DERRY TO GAZA TEAM
Two of our favourite blogs; Desertpeace and Silverlining have submitted questions to our "Derry to Gaza" boys on the Viva Palestina convoy. I forwarded the questions and received their reply. Here are the questions followed by the response:
1. Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, expect the leaders of predominately Muslim nations side with Israel ?
2. Do you think the people of those countries are aware of the collaboration?
3. It is a wonderful thing that you are doing. If entry is denied to Gaza , would you consider coming back again?
4. How were you received in the countries you passed through by the people and the government officials or representatives?
5. Why did the convoy decided to go through the Nuwbia port this time and not Al Arish like last time? Does it have to do with how the life line was treated last time? (They don’t know the answer to this but will try to find out)
6. The turnaround of the convoy costs money, did anyone, country, person, etc. contribute to the costs or it is going to be taken from the Viva Palestinian budget? (this was answered by the press release, Turkey is helping them with the boat but they need some help with plane fares)
Reply from the Derry to Gaza team on the Viva Palestina Convoy:
I saw the questions you sent, and I will try to answer them as best we can.
Since leaving Derry we have been blessed by warm, abundant welcomes in most cities. I think we live in an age where the visible effects of power people, has been diverted into different channels.
Governments are much less effected by the people on the street. For instance, when One million or so people marched on the streets of London against the war on Iraq, the government nevertheless continued the war. From this point of view, I have always felt that there was little to be had from shows of solidarity by people against big governments. This trip has changed that outlook absolutely.
Whilst we travelled through Europe, there was some great responses from people in Belgium, Greece and Turkey, however, by and large, in contrast to its Arab neighbours, most European countries were indifferent. Since entering into Greece and down through Turkey into Arabia, the response has been amazing...I have seen people standing in groups, couples and even on their own at 4 am on a rainy street corner waving Palestinian flags.
They throw food and water in our ambulance and reach out to shake our hands, shouting Salam. Without doubt, they feel a deep connection with their brothers in Palestine, and it is through us that they wish to express this. I feel very privileged to be in such a position. Here is one example of the huge amount of support we have had along the way. Just look at the crowd outside our window:
As for the other side of the coin: those who oppose us and don’t want medical aid to enter Gaza, I see them not as a threat but people who will change in time. Their position is one grown from corruption and insecurity. Clearly in their minds, they know that as humans, the people of Gaza do not deserve to be treated like they are by another people. Surely they see that they are in the wrong in their treatment of their fellow man. I think if they do not know this now, then it will dawn on them, the more pressure the world puts on them. I’ve always thought that there were three objectives behind this trip
1. Deliver the ambulance and medical aid to the people of Gaza as practical help
2. in doing so, bring a positive and broad awareness to the plight of people in Palestine, and thus forcing a change
3. Force the Israelis to question their position by stretching out your hand to find their own humanity.
I think at this moment in time, only the second objective has been reached, and very successfully reached thanks to people like yourselves who support our convoy and cause. Hopefully, within the next week or so, we will move to fulfil our two remaining objectives. If we do not get in, then we will feel gutted, disappointed and demoralised.
But it is a long struggle for justice and we must know that. Without doubt, this struggle for the Palestinian people is worth fighting, by anybody's standards. But if we do fail, then I will know that through our efforts and the support we have sustained throughout the last 4 weeks, we have contributed to an already emerging groundswell against the Israeli Zionist regime and its treatment of Palestinians. Let us not forget, that the Palestinians have been the very misfortunate victim of a twisted dream.
They did not deserve for the Zionists to come and take their land, they had not committed a crime that forced the vengeance of history upon them, rather they were in a land that a very deluded people wanted and have taken by force. Any person born into this world could have been Palestinian by chance, and would have lived under the harsh, inhumane conditions imposed upon them, without reason or explanation. So it is for this reason, that we must be united with the people of Palestine. People just like ourselves.
Sorry i cannot write more buts its tough when we are on the move..
thanks a lot for your support
“JJ” from the Derry to Gaza Five, on the Viva Palestina Convoy
Source
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01 January 2010
BREAKING~VIVA PALESTINA~ 72 HOUR CRITICAL PERIOD BEGINS NOW
UPDATED 2 JANUARY lastest info says Israel will block convoy by sea, read it HERE
Please pass this information on to everyone, we need to be ready to support the Convoy should the worst happen:NEXT 72 HOURS ARE CRITICAL
Received personal message from our boys on the Convoy, followed by a press statement they just released.
Tomorrow our 200 vehicles will travel on a 20 hour ferry aided by 60 volunteers into Al-Arish. The remaining 450 people who can’t enter the ferry will fly to Egypt and arrive before the boats to ensure a secure entry. Next 72hrs are critical as to the success of our whole mission. We don’t know what the Egyptian response will be as we pull into their shores, but we expect the worse and have absolute faith that in time we ill enter the gates of Gaza. JJ Crockett Derry to Gaza Viva Palestina convoy
Here is the press release JUST out from the Viva Palestina Derry to Gaza Five:
PRESS RELEASE
FROM DERRY TO GAZA IN AN AMBULANCE (UPDATE)
HEADLINE: NEXT 72 HOURS ARE CRITICAL
Message received 1st January 2010
Last night we received further info about the next critical 72 hours. Kevin Ovenden, leader of Viva Palestina and right hand man of [George] Galloway, came out and reported that:
We have got a cargo ship which, weather pending, will set sail tomorrow afternoon (1st January) on a 20-hour crossing to Al-Arish. At the moment, the ferry cargo ship only allows 12 people on board but Viva Palestina is trying to extend that to 60 people. These people are crucial to minding the vehicles and ensuring a safe entry into Egypt. The remaining 450 people will fly on chartered airplanes to Al-Arish and arrive Sunday afternoon before the boats, and hopefully we will get out to the port without trouble before the boats arrive.
All these arrangements are dependant on the weather but these are the plans. Overall and inshallah, we expect to be in Al-Arish (25 kms from Gaza) by Sunday afternoon. The last time the convoy was there, they got stones thrown at their vehicles, and physical abuse from the Egyptian police. We expect the same and will draw up strategies to deal with these possiblities. It’s hard to beat down a man that has driven 5000 miles through all lands and seas, fuelled by a tidal wave of great support. The Egyptians will need more than fists to block our entry, though we will not provoke them. Let’s hope for the best and expect the worst.
So, once we enter Al-Arish, the shite will hit the fan....There will be an inevitable 2-3 day delay and possibly more...Rumours suggest the Rafah crossing into Gaza is open from the 3rd to the 5th. Hopefully and ideally, we will enter on the 3rd, spend a couple of days in Gaza building up contacts of support and be able to fly home from Sharm el Sheik on the 6th January. Though this is doubtful. As I said we are prepared for the worst, but live in hope. The next 72 hours are the most critical of the whole campaign and we need your support more than ever, to cover the media side and put pressure on Egyptians to let us through. We are on their doorstep and they must let us in.
Signed, The Gaza Five
About the Gaza Five:
The Gaza Five are: Jonathon Crockett, Eanna O'Donaghaile, Danny Doyle, Eddie Mc Bride and Derek Mc Chrystal. On December 5th this year, five Derry men set out on a long journey from Derry to the Gaza strip in an ambulance full of medical aid and educational resources in order to provide humanitarian relief to the people of that region. These are people who are suffering since the latest conflict, which caused devastation resulting in much of Gaza being destroyed and 1,400 men, women and children being killed. The Israelis have now placed a blockade on Gaza preventing any aid into Gaza's impoverished people and preventing them from leaving. These 5 Derry men took on the task of driving this ambulance all the way to Gaza meeting up with a convoy of 220 other vehicles from all over Europe to deliver humanitarian aid through the organisation 'Viva Palestina'.
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01 January 2010
URGENT~VIVA PALESTINA NEEDS YOUR HELP NOW
DANGEROUS DAYS AHEAD FOR CONVOY
NOTE I'm reposting this because it is an urgent situation
We have friends on both the Code Pink Gaza Freedom March (stranded and protesting in Egypt) and also on the Viva Palestina Convoy waiting for boats to go to Al Arish. Because of the volatile situation in Egypt we have devoted more time to monitoring that situation than reporting on our Irish boys from Derry. So we plan to do some catching up on the Viva Palestina convoy now because they are about to face a trying and dangerous time. More one that in a minute.
So let us introduce the “Derry to Gaza” team; Danny Doyle, Edward McBride, Derek McChrystal, Eanna O'Donaghaile and Jonathan Crockett:
Jonathan “JJ” Crockett, (pictured in the centre of the photo above) is a teacher at St Brigid's College in Derry. He and the team are delivering an ambulance filled with medical aid donated by Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. Also, students at St. Brigid’s College have donated a lot of educational supplies which can be given to children there. Yesterday JJ had this to say:
" Thank you to the people at home in Derry and further afield for your support on this all important humanitarian mission; your support is the fuel which keeps us going.
" We returned the 500 kms to Damascus which was forced upon us, and now we are going to make our way to the nearby port of Latakia. "We hope to get the ferry to Egypt which takes 20 hours, and arrive into El Arish, only 25 km from Gaza.
"The Turkish government is paying for our ferry to go to Egypt and fair play to them, although the Egyptian government remains hostile to our mission.
"If we are turned away at the Bay of Egypt, or even worse, if we can't get on the ferry, then we will have to face more serious challenges put in our way... of delivering this life saving aid. Either way the next few days are crucial."
UPDATE: We are just in from a vigil for the victims in Gaza and a rally in support of the “Derry to Gaza” lads. As you well know the convoy is facing great obstacles at the moment. At the rally today Marty Crockett, brother of JJ Crockett, one of the drivers, read out an update he’d received from JJ today. The rally had a great turnout and it was grand to hear from our boys who are in Syria via text messages, calls and emails. IMPORTANT INFO AFTER THIS:
Marty Crockett reading message from Convoy
Sinn Fein Clr and former Deputy Leader of the "Hope Convoy" to Gaza in May 2009, Gerry MacLochlainn, reading out names of children murdered by Israel.
SDLP Clr Colum Eastwood reading names of children murdered by Israel
Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney with Steve Crockett in support of the "Derry to Gaza" five.
After the rally ended, we were speaking to Steve Crockett, also JJ's brother, who gave us the latest on the convoy. They have now arrived in Syria and are currently waiting for the boat to take the vehicles to Al Arish. Another problem they have faced is the cargo ship cannot take the people, only the aid and vehicles. The convoy personnel do not want to leave their vehicles, but are forced to do so and were expected to take other boats to Al Arish which would leave the cargo alone for some time at the Egyptian port. This was immediately deemed as unacceptable and turned down. They then decided the best option was to fly the convoy members into Egypt on charter planes so as to quickly get back to their vehicles. Another problem, how to pay for this. Thankfully the Great and Good Government of Turkey has offered to pay for the cargo ship to Egypt. Turkey is to be commended for this humanitarian act of kindness to the convoy and the people of Gaza who will receive the aid. BUT THEY NEED DONATIONS FOR THE CHARTER PLANES TO EGYPT, link to donate at end of post. MORE:
So, where it stands now is they are in the process of having the vehicles go by boat and the people by plane. Should all things go according to “plan” the convoy should arrive in Gaza in 4-7 days. However, what worries me is one dangerous situation looms in the distance, and that danger is Israel. For the Israeli pirates who only a few months back boarded, seized and confiscated a boat of dignitaries bound for Gaza, then jailed Mairead Corrigan, Cynthia McKinney and many others, could make an attempt to seize the cargo boat.
To all our readers: We have made arrangements to be in contact with the “Derry to Gaza” team and will post personal updates here as we get them, along with any photos as well.
And to the “Derry to Gaza” Team, if you see this post, your families all say “We are so proud of you, best of luck” and the whole of Derry support you!!
URGENT VIVA PALESTINA APPEAL BELOW:
On 6th December 2009 the third Viva Palestina international aid convoy set off from London. Over the next few weeks it traveled almost three thousand miles through 9 countries gaining support as it went. By 24th December, Christmas Eve, when it reached the post of Aqaba in Jordan it had grown to almost 500 people in 250 vehicles - carrying much needed medical aid for the besieged people of Gaza.
And there it's journey could have come to an end. The convoy was refused passage across the Red Sea to the Sinai by the Egyptian authorities - gatekeepers of the Rafah crossing into Gaza. The convoy would only be allowed to enter Gaza if it landed at the port of Al-Arish on the Mediterranean coast.
The convoy was forced to turn around and head back through Jordan and Syria to take ship from there to Egypt. But this solution, imposed by the Egyptian authorities, has come at a cost. Viva Palestina and our partners will need to charter three ferries and a plane to move our vehicles and convoy members from Syria to Egypt. And we need to raise the money to pay for this.
So we are asking our friends and supporters to dig deep in their pockets and make an emergency donation towards the costs now facing the convoy. With your help we will once more deliver aid to the people of Gaza - and once more demand the end to this in human siege.
Thanks you for your support and may we wish everyone a Happy New Year.
Viva Palestina
Please forward this email to your friends, family and contacts
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You can donate below by credit or debit card in a variety of currencies - please follow the links below or visit the website at http://www.vivapalestina.org/emergency.htm
If you have a paypal account you can send directly to use using the 'send money' option to our email address at donations@vivapalestina.org
USE THESE LINKS TO HELP THEM NOW:
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Overzicht Reacties over dit Artikel
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Reactie van Izak Marinus | datum: 2011-05-02 20:59:36 |
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My condolances to you with the death of the moslimrat osama.
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Reactie van Paul Lamp | datum: 2010-01-03 17:11:07 |
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Het wordt nu tijd om NAVO konvooi begeleiding te eisen ter bescherming tegen deze Israëlische zeerovers.
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