Author: Sal
Islander Still Held Up on Convoy (updated)
Thursday, 7th January, 2010 at 5:37 pm, Isle of Wight
Charity, Health, News, Overseas
See comments at the bottom for update to the story
Whilst we’re struggling to move around the Island due to the heavy snow and ice, do spare a thought for Islander Peter Venner who is still taking part in an international convoy, having driven thousands of miles to deliver aid for those in need in Gaza.
Back in November last year, Peter set off from the Island to join the Viva Palestina Convoy. The convoy is made up of 450 members of 220 trucks and ambulances and aims to deliver vital medical supplies.
Just before Christmas the convoy was forced to make a detour to Damascus after the Egyptian authorities refused to let them use Nuweiba as a gateway to Gaza via Rafa.
We’re told that the Israelis had threatened that international waters to Gaza could not be used, with reports that they’ve previously used gunboats and fired upon international aid delivering ships contrary to international laws governing use of the high seas.
There are also reports that people on the convoy have had passports taken from them.
At a time when we’re probably all very much thinking about our own situations, hearing news like this really puts things into perspective.
We hope you’ll join us in wishing Peter and others on the convoy the safest of journeys and look forward to seeing him home soon.
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How brave of Peter, what a noble act. Best wishes to everyone involved in the convoy.
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I agree Angie. These people are very brave and noble and I hope they succeed in their quest to get aid to the Palestians and then get back home safely.
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It could be worse….at least it’s not snowing. Then he really would be stuck, like us poor folk on the IOW.
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Blimey Red Rita please tell me that you’re joking???
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At around 5pm yesterday the Gaza aid convoy finally made it into Gaza. They will hopefully be there for 48 hours. What an amazing achievement after all the obstacles put in their way by the Egyptian authorities For up to date news on all the trials of the convoy go to stopthewar.org and readingplc websites. Also, Aljazeera english gives regular coverage of the convoy.
Unfortunately, there has been minimal coverage in the UK media.
It is fantastic that so many on the island have contributed in some way to making the delivery of aid a success.
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Sorry correction – website is http://www.readingpsc.org.uk for the full story of the convoy’s journey, culminating in their entry into Gaza last night.
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The most heart felt congratulations to Pater Venner and the rest of the convoy on delivering the aid and breaking the siege.Your epic journey and deed has been courageous.Your actions and the support given from Isle of Wight Friends of Palestine is a tribute to our citizens.
Ryde Trades Council
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Excellent, well done to all of them.
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Today’s update is that George Galloway (MP), leader of the Viva Palestinia aid convoy to Gaza, was forcibly taken by the Egyptian authorites, when he returned to Egyptian soil from Gaza, and deported back to the UK from Cairo airport.
It is believed that all convoy members might also be deported or at least black listed by the Egyptian government. At present they are at the Rafah border waiting to travel to Cairo.
Read updates on http://www.readingpsc.org.uk
The Gaza siege is despetate when even humannitarian aid deliveries are thwarted at every step of the way.
A seriously worrying predicament for the Palestinian people. The campaign to end the siege must continue.
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Thanks for the update Zanna.
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Saturday’s update: All convoy members were taken from Rafah by buses provided by the Egyptian authorities (apart from the Malaysians who supposedly went in a bus provided by their consulate) and driven straight to Cairo airport. They are being held there until they can be put on flights out of the country.
Not sure yet which flight Peter will return on. Some convoy members are being sent to Istanbul,Turkey from where they will presumably have to make their own travel arrangements.
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Zubeh(from Portsmouth) and Peter Venner(from the Isle of Wight), drivers of the Solent vehicles to Gaza are safely back in the UK today.
What an amazing achievement.
Zubeh is planning to give a talk about the aid convoy’s journey this Thursday at the Guildhall library in Portsmouth at 7.30pm
I will however confirm details of this in the next couple of days.
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Zuber Hatia will give his talk on Thursday 14th January at 7.30pm entitled ‘Gaza convoy – What happened’
In room B at Arts Centre, Portsmouth Central library ,third floor, guildhall square, Portsmouth.
There will be a few attending from the Isle of Wight so see you there.
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