May 24, 2009 at 9:18 am (Activism, Gaza, International Solidarity)
Great news the convoy aid and vehicles remained safe over night nothing happened, everything is grand. The members left for Rafah at 6AM Egypt time and just a few minutes ago I was informed they are 5 km from the border, now I just got another text and it looks like they are all together at the border waiting (Sorry the last text is a little confusing and I’m not really awake yet)
Wow, I’m feeling happy and sad this morning. I should have been on this convoy, but unknown to me, until I dragged it out of the drawer, my passport had expired and did not get back in time for me to go with my friends. So when they actually cross into Gaza it will be hard for me, but I will feel so happy for them after such a long wait in Egypt, still I may have tears:(
More as I get it. I expect today to be a busy day.
Second update…..
THE SIEGE HAS BEEN BROKEN AGAIN!!!!
Just got off the phone, everyone is at the border crossing right now. The bus with the politicians has been brought to the front of the line at the crossing. AND the doctors who have been in Gaza since May 5th, and who just went on Hungerstrike this week because Egypt would not allow them into Gaza? They have joined with the “HOPE” convoy and are on the bus with the politicians. They will be crossing over with the convoy now! VICTORY!!!
I am just told in text that one vehicle has crossed over now past the first checkpoint into the compound, one more checkpoint to go!! The others are moving forward. Friend taking photos now, hope to get them online today!
VIVA PALESTINE!!!
Third update…..
Well, just had another phonecall and as the bus with the politicians and the Doctors on hungerstrike (mentioned in last update) came through the first checkpoint and were inside the compound with only the 2nd checkpoint to go through before arriving inside FREE GAZA, then the doctors were pulled off and then sent back outside the compound, So the Politicians are asking for for the same and will be returning back to the rest of the convoy. The politicians have refused to go through, their views are that everyone, including the doctors who just joined the convoy who were on hungerstrike should all get through.
also the media is there doing interviews with convoy members and the politicians.
so we have a stand off, stay tuned
Fourth update…..
Latest news is that the convoy members are again passed the 1st checkpoint and now back inside the compound where passports are checked and cleared. This may take some time to get all passports cleared, or it could go quickly, just no telling at this point. Once they are cleared they will go through the final checkpoint into Gaza.
Update on the Doctors who joined the convoy (see earlier posts below) The Egyptians are claiming security reasons for not allowing them passage. The “hope” convoy will continue to do what it can to help them move forward but there are no guarantees to the outcome.
I’m using spell check today as I am exhausted and had not much sleep for the last few days like the convoy team, But they are running on excitement now as they are so close to Gaza. Me, on the other hand, I am running on many of cups of tea and spell check LOL, So if I post anything that needs clarification, or anyone has a question I may be able to answer, just post a comment and I’ll give it a go, or see what I can find out in my next phonecall.
more as I get them
Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Hope arrives at the Rafah crossing, on way to Gaza[ 23/05/2009 - 09:31 PM ]
BRUSSELS, (PIC)-- The European campaign for lifting the siege on Gaza Strip has announced Saturday that the Hope convoy has arrived at the Rafah crossing in preparation to enter into the besieged Gaza Strip to help sick Palestinian people.
According to officials of the campaign, the convoy comprises 40 trucks loaded with assistance, 10 ambulance vehicles accompanied by tens of European lawmakers and supporters.
The convoy anchored in the Egyptian Alexandria Port for one week waiting for permission to unload, but the Egyptian authorities refused to allow it unload in Alexandria and ordered it to unload at Port Said, which the organizers did.
According to the organizers, the convoy finished all the necessary documents and the procedures needed to proceed to the besieged Gaza Strip. It is expected in Gaza on Saturday.
The Italian senate members Fernando Rossi, who leads the convoy, revealed that there were 12 European lawmakers from Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Ireland, and Britain in addition to 160 European activities from different EU countries who have joined the trip, and that they were now in Port Said city to help deliver the assistance to Gaza Strip, especially to Palestinian citizens who need special care.
"The contributions were made by individuals, and NGO's in the EU", the organizers disclosed.
Nearly 400 sick Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip, mostly children, women, and elderly people, suffering from chronic diseases have died so far due to the Israeli rejection to allow them leave the Strip to have medical treatment abroad.
96 europeans were NOT allowed to enter Gaza , only 10 were allowed by the Pharaon , and one convoy was forbidden by the same dictator . shame shame
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