Asian humanitarian convoy for Gaza expected to arrive in Egypt

Sun, 02 Jan 2011

Cairo - A ship carrying humanitarian supplies for the Gaza Strip as part of an Asian aid mission is expected to dock in the Egyptian port of Al-Arish on Sunday.

The vessel, Salam, began its journey in India as part of the "Asia2Gaza Caravan" campaign.

It is carrying four ambulances, eight school buses, and food and medical supplies for people living in the Palestinian territory that is subject to an Israeli embargo.

Around 120 activists involved in the mission flew out of Damascus on a plane bound for Al-Arish Sunday. Eight fellow activists were already on board the ship.

Last month, Egyptian authorities granted visas to most of the activists. However, it refused entry to seven Iranians and other activists and journalists from different nationalities who were on board.

Egypt's approval is required to reach the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing, particularly since Israel tightened its blockade after Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/360431,gaza-expected-arrive-egypt.html.