The Egyptian government has denied entry to the Viva Palestina aid convoy carrying medical and humanitarian aid to Gaza. The international convoy of approximately 150 vehicles and more than 400 people from 17 countries was given the news by the Egyptian Consulate in Aqaba late on Christmas Eve. Hundreds of tonnes of aid, including specialised medical equipment and powdered milk for babies, is now stockpiled in the Jordanian port town of Aqaba waiting for permission to enter Egypt via the Straits of Aqaba.

The convoy hopes to enter Gaza and break Israel's three and a half year illegal blockade of the Strip via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on 27th December. The date marks the first anniversary of the beginning of Israel's three week land, air and sea assault on Gaza, which killed more than 1,400 Palestinians.

George Galloway MP, who is travelling with the convoy, said "We feel very sad that Egypt has turned us away on Christmas Day, but we hope they will reconsider. This is a very determined convoy and we're not going anywhere except to Gaza."

Take action

In order to help the convoy get back on the road, please contact the Egyptian Embassy in London. Express your disappointment that they are not allowing the convoy to proceed and ask the person answering the phone to pass this message to the Ambassador.

You can contact the Embassy:
by phone - 020 7499 3304
by fax - 020 7491 1542
by email - eg.emb_london@mfa.gov.eg

Join the Facebook page for up-to-date information.

Follow the Viva Palestina convoy at www.vivapalestina.org.