Latest update from Gaza aid convoy

international | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Wednesday December 30, 2009 13:45 by Fintan Lane - IPSC media officer 087 1258325

This is the latest update (received 12.54pm today) from Tyrone man John Hurson, who is on the 'Viva Palestina' Gaza aid convoy. The convoy was stranded for several days on the Jordan/Egypt border, and is now trying to enter Gaza by a different route.

There are at least 10 Irish people on the convoy and three vehicles from Ireland.

UPDATE FROM JOHN HURSON

Having arrived in Aqaba on December 24th, the "Viva Palestina Convoy" spent 5 days stranded
in the coastal port city waiting to cross into Egypt via ferry. By ferry and by road, we would have reached the Rafah Border in 5 hours. However, the Egyptian Government insisted we all drive back up to Syria, and cross from there to Al Arish in Egypt. This detour would take roughly 72 hours.

Yesterday morning, December 29th, we travelled over 500 kms to Damascus, where we stayed
last night. Currently, we are still in Damascus waiting for confirmation on the ferry crossing.
We are to take 3 ferries, 2 for our vehicles, and 1 for the passengers. As there are 500 people and
250 vehicles, chartering 3 boats is taking considerable time. The Turkish Government are co funding
the boats, as they have 65 vehicles on the convoy. In addition, the Malaysian Government are kindly
donating to these costs.

This impass is taking it's toll on the convoy members, as many have to return in the next few days
to return to work. However, the mood is good as everyone is dedicated to bringing their vehicles
and aid to Gaza. No one is surprised at the actions of the Egyptian Government, and we will all continue to do whatever we can to ensure our vehicles and aid arrives safely in Gaza.

In the meantime, people can put pressure on the Egyptian Government by calling, e mailing,
and writting letters asking for them to allow our safe passage. Plus, please contact your local councillors,
M.P.'s, and MEP's and ask for their assistance in letting us cross safely.

1 year on from the bombardmentof Gaza by Israel, the region of Gaza have yet to recieve sufficient aid
needed to not only rebuild their homes, but also their fragile lives. Enough is enough, and for the sake of
humanity, the doors to Gaza need to open and let this aid in. The siege on Gaza is so tight, that not even
a mouse can get in or out at present.

Please contact the Egyptian Embassies in Dublin or in London via the following numbers or e mail:

The contact details for the Egyptian Embassy in Dublin are: +353 1 6606718 / +353-1-6606566
E mail: consular@embegyptireland.ie

The contact details for the Egyptian Embassy in London are: 0044-20-7499-3304
E mail: eg.emb_london@mfa.gov.eg”

As more news unfolds, I will keep you posted.

John Hurson
Waiting in Damascus......................