Keep Gaza Aid Convoy Moving
'25th of February 2013 a convoy left the UK with
large amounts of aid thanks to the British Public destined for
Palestine. This convoy travelled by road until Egypt where the
Egyptian authorities have stopped the convoy from moving any
further. They are in urgent need to keep moving, deliver aid and
return home to their families in the UK.'
A few minutes from you to sign a petition will save many lives!
The Gaza Aid Convoy is sponsored by a UK registered charity, Charity Number 1093884.
The convoy is made up of volunteers from all over the UK.
The members of the convoy spent several months collecting aid. The aid predominantly
consisted:
- medical equipment
- medicine
- construction equipment
- toys for children
- monetary donations
- 10 vehicles which are intended to remain in Palestine for the use of the people of Gaza
At the point of departure from the UK the convoy comprised of 22 aid workers. The convoy
departed the UK via the Euro Tunnel, travelling through France and Spain and then being
transported by ferry from Cordoba to Morocco. After remaining at the Moroccan border for 4
days, the convoy gained entry and travelled through Tunisia. Further delays of 3 days
occurred at the Libyan/Tunisian border before entry was secured. The convoy then
journeyed through Libya and arrived at Rafah (Libyan/ Egyptian border) on 17th March 2013.
The convoy has not been granted clearance to enter into Egypt. Whilst at the
border the convoy vehicles have been attacked by Egyptian border control and the aid
workers have been threatened with guns. As a result of this and due to substantial delays,
some members of the convoy resolved to return to the UK. A group of the aid workers,
whilst travelling to Benghazi to catch a flight to the UK, were kidnapped and subjected to a
violent attack. This is an incident which has come to the attention of the national and
international press and has led to concern of the safety of the remaining aid workers.
The aid workers continue to face delays but their intention to deliver the aid to the rightful
recipients remains steadfast. Despite the number of aid workers, part of the convoy has
reduced, although it is expected that other volunteers will join the convoy from the UK and
other countries.
The members of the convoy need support from the Great British public and to raise
awareness for this cause. Friends, families and well wishers of the members of the convoy
have contacted the Foreign Commonwealth Office, the British Ambassador in Egypt and the
Egyptian authorities, which have failed to achieve satisfactory results.
An e-petition has been set up to encourage the British Government to act on behalf of the
aid workers to secure entry into Egypt. The Government will not take any steps until there
are at least 10,000 signatures. Time is of the essence. Any delay will adversely affect the
members of the convoy who are waiting at the border for the authorities to act.
Please take a few minutes to sign this petition and help save lives: epetition
For further information please visit: www.aidtogaza.com
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