Egypt permits 'Asia 1' convoy entry into Gaza

Wed, 29/12/2010

Egyptian authorities have given the Gaza-bound humanitarian aid convoy "Asia 1" permission to cross into the Gaza Strip through its Rafah border crossing, the Middle East News Agency (MENA) said on Wednesday.

Sources told MENA the convoy would be moving within a few days from the Syrian port of Latakia to Arish and then on to the Rafah border crossing.

The authorities agreed to allow 120 activists in the convoy entry into Egypt, the sources said, adding that the convoy is comprised of activists from 15 Asian countries, in addition to Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

"Asia 1" began its journey in New Delhi, India earlier this month and then traveled by road to Pakistan where it was denied entry. The convoy then traveled to Iran by air and on to Turkey until it finally reached Syria.

The convoy is expected to board the Sierra Leone-flagged “Peace Ship,” which is carrying over 300 tons of food, medical equipment, medicine and toys.

Translated from the Arabic Edition.

Source: Al-Masry Al-Youm.
Link: http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/news/egypt-permits-asia-1-convoy-entry-gaza.