VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY REACHES GAZA THROUGH RAFAH BORDER

From Kuzaimah Idris

GAZA, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The largest Viva Palestina humanitarian aid convoy
which began its long journey from London on Dec 6, 2009 on the frosty Sunday
morning, succeeded in crossing the Rafah border into Gaza early Thursday.

After weeks of delay, the 450 contingent members were finally allowed to
enter the besieged Palestinian enclave with more than a million dollars worth of
medical, food and educational supplies for the people of Gaza.

The convoy left El Arish port at 10.30pm local time after a two-hour check
by the Egyptian authorities at the port's exit and continued its 40km-journey to
the Rafah border.

The convoy was allowed through the border without any hassle, and the Rafah
crossing is Gaza's only border that bypasses Israel.

After the month-long journey filled with uncertainties which almost ended in
tragedy when they had a face-off with the Egyptian authorities, relief could
could be seen on the face of almost every member of the convoy when their
vehicles came to a halt in the reserved parking space in central Gaza.

Only about 150 vehicles were cleared to go into Gaza and the remaining
59
vehicles were left behind at El Arish port as demanded by the Egyptian
authorities.

The group's Turkish comrades will drive the 59 vehicles back to Turkey to be
delivered later to the Palestinian refugee camps in Syria and Lebanon.

The 150 vehicles, filled to the brim with humanitarian aid, are now in the
hands of Palestinians living in Gaza which has been under seige, illegally
imposed by the Tel Aviv regime.

Israel imposed a crippling siege on the Gaza strip after the Hamas movement
took full control of the territory in June 2007.

Meanwhile, the convoy members were taken to hotels around central Gaza which
had been arranged by the local authorities who awaited and welcomed the arrival
of the Viva Palestina members.

A huge reception is planned for the convoy later in Gaza.

-- BERNAMA