#4 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE~DERRY TO GAZA

some more news to report which I forgot to post earlier. As you all know the boys arrived last night and three of them, Eanna, JJ and Eddie, were interviewed (video in earlier post today HERE). Derek was absent. Why? Because he was suffering from food poisoning and ultimately ended up in hospital in Gaza! He's been released today and has now re-joined the other boys and is finally enjoying himself along with everyone else in Gaza city tonight. What a trip for them, left Derry on 4th December, drove through all those countries, had to turn around and go back again, then they were on the plane that had the engine malfunction (that would have ended it for me right there! LOL) then they got BACK on that same plane and arrived in Al Arish, then came under attack with stones, tear gas, sticks and batons, lost their phones, were unaccounted for whilst we all were in a panic here, then finally arrive in Gaza and poor Derek takes ill. You couldn't make this stuff up could you.

#3 VIVA PALESTINA-UPDATE 7 JANUARY

New message from JJ of the Derry to Gaza team:

I can confirm that we are in Gaza!!!! We arrived last night and will leave tomorrow morning, that’s all the Egyptians, have allowed us. But being here and breaking the siege, and exposing the ugly face of the Israeli-Egyptian partnership has been a massive victory for the people of Palestine and anyone involved in this. The people of Gaza have treated us like Kings, yet they are the Kings in all of this!

Also Derek did an interview on a local Derry radio station today. You can hear it at THIS link, but slide to the 25:31 minute mark, that’s where it begins. In more convoy news, one of our Irish boys from Cork was hit in the head with a stone and required stitches at Al Arish:

TWELVE Irish people have been caught up in violence between Egyptian police and members of a convoy bringing humanitarian aid destined for Gaza, with their families concerned that they are entering "a war zone".

One member of the Viva Palestina Aid Convoy, David Curran from Cork, received minor head wounds when hit in the head with a rock after clashes between the Egyptian authorities and members of the group at the Egyptian port of El Arish. Mr Curran required six stitches in a head wound.

Yesterday the convoy, comprising 517 people from 25 countries, was allowed access to Gaza through Rafah, but they had to proceed without the 59 vehicles for which the Egyptian authorities had refused permission to proceed. Also in the convoy are Cork women Caoimhe Butterly and Kate O’Sullivan.source

ISRAEL PLANNING WAR AND OBAMA RUNS FOR RE-ELECTION

I think even those most supportive Obama-bots surely must now be wondering what happened to their bringer of “hope and change.” As the Kool-Aid wears off, and reality sets in, I think we can all see what is taking place in the Whitehouse.

Obama began with such high hopes. Not only in America, but around the world. And that second statement is the one that will cause America even more problems. Giving false hope to a world weary of manufactured phoney wars on terror is one thing. But, giving hope to Muslims around the world who have been demonized for the last 10 years is quite another. They won’t be so easily forgiving, nor will they hold any trust whatsoever that America can ever change it’s neocon warring ways.

Obama started with a small amount of intestinal fortitude by making a somewhat hard-line stance towards Israel’s aggression, settlements and refusal to make peace. And whilst this lasted for a no more than 2 months. Soon after, the first sign of trouble emerged. From the AIPAC Zionist take down of Charles Freeman, to the AIPAC spy scandal involving Jane Harman and Nancy Pelosi, among others, we have seen a steady and rapid descent in any criticism of Israel. Then came the Goldstone report, where America once again embarrassed itself to the world, by not only arm twisting other nations to help smear a well respected Jewish man, Richard Goldstone and his report. Then there was the not so surprising, no hope, no change, vote in the American congress to reject and condemn the Goldstone report. The vote? 344 to 36. Now if that is not a clear illustration of the strangle hold the Zionist lobby has on American politicians, I don’t know what is. One wonders if those 36 who dared to be outside the fold stand a snowballs chance in Hell of being re-elected. They will be on the AIPAC hit list now. Free thinkers who work for America are not allowed to operate within American government. The fact that a once democratic country, is now run by a foreign presence, speaks volumes for the future of Americans and America itself.

Clearly the same people who were pushing the “agenda” under the Bush years, are still at the controls, just working for a prettier smiling more eloquent face now. We have not seen a rollback of the Bush Agenda and war against Islam and Muslims. In fact we have seen not only a continuation, but resurgence. The continued allowing of Israel to act with impunity, the supporting of ethnic cleansing of Jerusalem and all other lands Israel has on its list, the support for war criminals over International Law is startling enough from this “man of hope and change.” But even that is small in comparison to the over all world picture. The meddling in Iran’s elections, the continued involvement in attempting a colourful overthrow of Iran’s democratically elected government is frightening. The world was outraged and shocked when Bush stole the election from Al Gore, yet the world never began a campaign to overthrow Bush, or invade America if it did not hand over the Presidency to Gore. Why is this justified for Iran? American duplicity once again.

And what of Obamas continued push for war, not only directed at Iran (at Israelis behest) what happened to the man who said he would talk to America’s enemies without any preconditions? And now we have Yemen. Add that to Afghanistan, Iraq and the soon to be re-invasion of Gaza by Israel with American support and assistance.

The picture is clear, the Egyptian wall, the unrelenting siege, the war games Israel is playing now getting ready for a new invasion to this time occupy Gaza and hand it over to those who work with Israel, Mr, Abbas and his corrupt American puppet government under General Dayton, a man appointed by Bush and kept there by Obama. And this upcoming invasion into Gaza, what else is it? Why a good practice run for a possible upcoming war on Iran. Practice makes perfect you know. Never mind how many Muslims are murdered.

Today I see a very bleak picture. With Obama’s approval ratings in the basement and heading for somewhere underground. No chance of him standing up to Israel or the war mongers within America, not if he wants to have even a remote chance of re-election. All those cross over voters, Republican lites and independents, won’t be voting for him again. And what of the Democrats themselves? No harmony there either, judging from the fiasco of Obama’s healthcare package war and ultimate watered down approval.

Obama is now running for re-election. He’s got to morph into George W. now if he stands any chance of being more than a one term President. With Clinton and other right of centre Dems on his coattails and the Repugs foaming at the mouth, this is what will shape the path of Obama’s decision making now.

Obama’s biggest mistake was not focusing on the middle east and standing up to Israel early on, forcing them to do the deed and make peace early enough in his term as President, so he’d have enough time to recover from the Zionist AIPAC fallout and then use the Peace Deal as a victory and proof of his election promises to then focus on his next run for election. Obama has left it far too late for this term in office. Now any peace deal can only be one that Israel wants, no matter how badly the result is for Palestinians. We are witnessing Obama’s desperate attempt to save his own arse, at any cost.

#1 VIVA PALESTINA-DERRY TO GAZA VIDEO 7 JANUARY

Thanks to Reading PSC for this capture. Below is a video compilation from the crossing last night into Gaza. Three of our Derry lads are interviewed along with Caoimhe Butterly and some others from Slough, England and elsewhere.

Eddie @ 2:40
Eanna @ 4:30
JJ at @ 5:55
Caoimhe Butterly @ 6:25

VIVA PALESTINA~THE BOYS ON PRESSTV

two videos to share, one more coming we hope.
Well, we're just back from the celebration, I'm sure the weather is great in Gaza as it's snowing and freezing in Ireland! We had to laugh as the first interviews we saw were three of our five guys on PressTV! First the Ambulance arrived driven by Eanna who had a few words as it passed (video below) then JJ gave a nice interview (video below) then Eddie gave a great interview but we dont have it yet cos the fellow that has it still at the pub celebrating LOL, Hope to have that up soon. So Ireland was well represented today!! Thanks to everyone for all your great comments and good wishes for the lads. We had a scary time last night, but today things are as they should be. They are in Gaza and delivering the aid and ambulance now. You've read their words on the blog, now you can hear them, here's the two short videos:


Derry to Gaza Five in ambulance arriving in Gaza. Eanna, man of few words
"Great, Great to be in Gaza"



JJ interviewd by Aljazeera:

VIVA PALESTINA OUR BOYS ARE IN GAZA!!!!!

The 5 Boys have arrived in Gaza!!! Sorry but we are celebrating here!!!! We watched them arrive with the ambulance on presstv, and then JJ was interviewed shortly after that, it was brill!! Having a wee celebration for one hour, than we will be back to post some videos to share with all our supporters!!

THE SIEGE IS BROKEN AGAIN:)

#6 VIVA PALESTINA ARRIVING NOW AT RAFAH

two things to report now. A message fro the boys:

happy days!! sitting in convoy taking 20 trucks at a time. smooth so far, will le tyou know upon arrival to Gaza!!!!

and a fellow traveler gave us this info here to watch live arrival:

Salaam,

Peace be upon those who follow the right guidance,

According to Palestinian TV, Al Quds, convoy arrived at the border, TV is reporting live, and convoy entry soon insha Allah

here is AL Quds TV link live : http://www.qudstv.com/LiveFeed.aspx

#5 VIVA PALESTINA SINN FEIN FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPOKESPERSON CALLS ON IRISH GOVT TO ENSURE SAFETY OF CONVOY

Sinn Féin Press Office
Leinster House
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland

For immediate release 6th January 2009:

Foreign Affairs Minister must contact Egyptian authorities to ensure
safety of Irish peace convoy members – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on Minister Mícheál Martin to make contact with the Egyptian Government in order to ensure the safety of a number of Irish citizens who are part
of a peace convoy to Palestine which has been held up by Egyptian riot
police.

Egyptian authorities are refusing to allow approximately sixty aid
trucks into Gaza and approximately two thousand Egyptian riot police
have surrounded 450 members of the Viva Palestina peace convoy at the
Egyptian port of el-Arish. Ten members of the convoy have been injured,
four of them seriously.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said today:

“Members of the Viva Palestina convoy are simply attempting to get much
needed medical supplies to the people of Gaza. The aggressive behaviour
of the Egyptian authorities towards this peace convoy is unacceptable.

“Foreign Affairs Minister Mícheál Martin must make urgent contact with
his Egyptian counterpart to ensure the safety of the Irish members of
this group.” ENDS

Read all the latest Sinn Féin press releases online by clicking on NEWSROOM
at www.sinnfein.ie

#4 VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY ON THE MOVE

just off the phone, they say they are just about to leave now. People are packing up and getting ready to head to Rafah right now inshallah!!! more when I hear it, BREAK THAT SIEGE

#3 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE 6 JAN 13:52 GMT

Here are some reports from the Derry 5. One is from last night after the attack but only received today, the other is from a few hours ago:

Yesterday we had successfully arrived at the port of Al-Arish. All the 220 vehicles were there, joined with the 450 volunteers. It seemed only a matter of time before we left for Rafah, 15 miles down the road. George and the rest of the leadership announced that talks were ongoing, but everything suggested that we should be in Gaza by late yesterday afternoon. It was great; we thought we were finally going to make it, elbowing Egypt out of the spotlight and turning it on the great people of Palestine.

Instead this happened. Kevin Ovenden said at around 730pm that negotiations were in a critical stage and we needed to make our voices heard. This advice was taken many different ways. I got the idea that the Egyptians had gone back on their word to let the whole convoy in, but rather they were letting everyone in, except 70 cars from USA that didn’t have any medical aid anyway.

Anyway, people did make their voices heard and began to chant and shout inside the compound as the negotiations went on in the balcony up above. An energetic crowd gathered and made its way to the gate of the compound. It was mainly the Turk contingent joined by some of the British. Anyway, the crowd was greeted by Ovenden and Galloway who were on the balcony above.

The crowd made its way to the gate and broke it. At this point, there was only about 20 Egyptian police around, and they seemed scared. But the riot police had been preparing up the hill all day and they soon surrounded us. The Egyptian official had walked out of negotiations and ordered the riot police in. There was a standoff between ourselves and around at least 400 or more riot police. They encircled us at the gate, and drove a massive water tanker to block of the exit about 15 yards away from the gate.

At the beginning, it was a peaceful protest, singing and making noise. The Egyptians were there to be provoked, no doubt, but they needed a reason. This went on for about 1 hour 30 mins, and then all hell broke loose. I don’t know who threw the first stone but the Egyptians seemed to have prepared stones to be thrown. A running battle went on for about 30 minutes, mainly the Egyptians hurtling stones at us. Some people fought back with stones and sticks against the riot police with batons. Five seasoned Derry men stood at the back. Ole hands at these riots.

The end result was up to 20 people injured, head injuries and even worse it appears. There was news that the Turks had captured 3 Egyptians police as hostages but they were later released. There was a deadly atmosphere amongst the compound. This wasn’t the way it was suppose to work out, we should of been heading for Gaza. At this point, it’s too early to see where the blame lies.

Galloway made his way onto the stage, looking very shaken and holding prayer beads, he recalled the progression of events that I have just told, and once again, encouraged people to protest throughout the world against the Egyptians. He said we wouldn’t be going anywhere soon'. We went to bed after that.

So another massive change of events, and I think the whole thing has had a negative rather than positive effect on proceedings. A lot of people think this way and I could see a lot of people going home. If that is possible I do not know, because as I was going out to the internet café to send this, they gave me hassle and took my passport. Who knows what will happen today

The five of us are going to have a team meeting shortly and discuss flights. We are due to fly out today but won’t make it at this point. Things have gone by in impasse for too long, it’s become a game of political football, we just came for the people of Gaza and we are still not there after more than 4 weeks. Still no matter who goes home, we will show patience and wait at least until Sunday to see what transpires. But definitely, this morning we are disappointed and have no sight of what the future holds.

I have lots of pictures of the riot but this pc won’t let me upload them.All the best, and thanks for the support once again. The 5 boys

NEW UPDATE: they said in a 2nd message today that they expect to leave for Rafah today and be allowed to stay for 48 hours inside Gaza. The 59-60 vehicles in question will not be going in but will be retained in the possession of Turkey, not Egypt. All members are said to have been cleared to enter Gaza, just not those 59-60 vehicles from the USA. They hope all this is true and that they will leave for Rafah soon. But my guess is that no one will leave for hours, not after the fracas at the Rafah border a few hours ago where 2 Palestinians were shot and injured by Egyptian security. I’ve seen over the last hour on live television the Gaza police and Gaza border control agents attempting to clear all the people from the border. Once they have all been cleared and some time passes, perhaps Egypt will let the convoy go sometime tonight and quickly enter after dark. Just a hunch, but if it is going to happen today, it will be tonight when things are settled and less media around. Otherwise tomorrow night after dark. That is what I think anyway. We will see. Any more updates I’ll get them up quickly.

SINN FEIN CONCERN FOR DERRY FIVE VIVA CONVOY

McCartney expresses concern for Derry men on 'Viva Plaestina' convoy

Derry Sinn Féin MLA, Raymond McCartney, has expressed concern for the safety of five young Derry men travelling on the ‘Viva Palestina’ medical aid convoy to Gaza which is currently detained in the port of El Arish on the Egypt / Gaza border.

Raymond McCartney said:

“Sinn Féin has been in contact with family members of the Derry men involved in the medical aid for Gaza ‘Viva Palestina’ Convoy. The families are obviously very concerned about the circumstances pertaining in El Arish where there are unconfirmed reports of confrontation between the participants of the convoy and riot police. We share in that concern. Sinn Féin has been informed by family members that they have spoken to their relatives on the convoy and that although none of them have been injured there are injuries among some of the convoy participants.

“The five young Derry men are part of the ‘Viva Plaestina’ Convoy travelling to Gaza in an attempt to deliver much needed medical aid to the area which is presently under an Israeli imposed blockade. It is a humanitarian relief effort which deserves our support.

“Whatever tensions may have arisen between the convoy and the authorities in El Arish it is essential that we focus our attention on the innocent victims in Gaza who urgently need this medical aid. Leaders of the convoy and the authorities should seek to resolve any difficulties in a peaceful manner and one which respects the human rights of those Palestinians living under siege in Gaza.

“I will be keeping in close contact with the relatives of the convoymembers and will support efforts to ensure the men’s safety and well-being. Sinn Féin at the highest level will also be in touch with the Irish government urging their intervention with the authorities in El Arish calling for respect for the humanitarian nature of this convoy.”

ENDS

#2 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE 10:35 GMT 6 JAN

UPDATED I keep forgetting to add things I post on twitter to the blog here, sorry bout that but it's getting confusing. I heard that the convoy has been forced to accept leaving behind those 60 vehicles. Turkey will take control and possession of them, not Egypt. Also, Just got a message from the boys:

Thanking everyone for all their support yesterday. Everything OK here. We are leaving for Rafah within hours for 48 hour stay inside Gaza. Till we enter we won't know if it's true or not. Things are settled here now so all looks good. Will text when in Gaza.

The 5 Boys

More as we get it:)

#1 VIVA PALESTINE 6 JAN

Tiny update, hearing the 59-60 vehicles are to be left behind, Turkey to take them. People are hoping to get in today. Meanwhile in Gaza, people are holding a march/rally to the Rafah border on the Gaza side angry about attack on convoy.

#10 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE, LAST ONE I HOPE

Many thanks to “D from Turkey” who gave us these links to videos of the pre-meditated attack tonight shown on Turkish television. The first link is a longer version, the second is a shorter version. Both are in Turkish, but no words are needed to see what happened, this is a disgrace!

Long version

Short version

We spent almost 3 hours in a blind panic unable to locate our people, only their phones were found on the ground and answered by strangers. Some people are STILL missing. THIS is what it was like for us on this blog as it happened. God knows what tomorrow will bring after this attack. Hopefully the Egyptians have had enough fun and games and will now let them get on with their work of delivering the ambulances and aid to those who are in need of it.

#9 UPDATE ON CONVOY ATTACK

Small amount of news to report. Still recovering from the last several hours of our boys being missing and under attack. That was an awful time! Especially when only their phones were found and not them!! So spoke to one of them again just now and they say 20 members were injured in the attack and there are some people for the convoy who are missing and cannot be found. For those following the convoy from Cork Ireland, just to let you know, I asked and your people on the convoy are all OK as well. Just thought you'd want to know that:) Up da Irish!! haven't heard about the Dungannon team, but I was told all the Irish are OK. Well done! More when we get it. What a night, had enough of this already let them in!!

#8 UPDATE VIVA PALESTINA ATTACK

Here's the latest news. Managed to finally get JJ on phone for few minutes his phone died after that. but he said they are alright, THANK GOD!! Also said what we reported before, outsiders arrived armed with sticks and stones entered the compound and attacked the members and were joined by Egyptian police squad. There are several members injured, heads and arms bandaged. Rumours are flying around about other things as well, like people still missing and such. for now i'm glad our guys are OK. More when we get it. At least we can breath now knowing they are alright for the moment. Thanks for everyones support!!!

#7 LATEST ON ATTACK OF CONVOY PEOPLE HURT AND MISSING

Ok I’m trying to calm down and gather as much information as possible. Here is the story from people at the scene. People we dont even know, who answered phones that belong to our boys who are missing right now! I need to preface this by saying that NONE of our boys can be located at this time!! One of their phones was answered by an Arabic man who found it on the ground and said the convoy members were currently under attack. Then later we tried to ring the other boys and got no answer either. Then we tried again later and ALL the phones were turned OFF they did not even ring! Later still, we tried Derek’s phone and a British lady answered named Pat. We do not know “Pat” she found Derek’s phone on the ground and answered it. She said that the whole thing happened when convoy members were still locked inside this gated compound, then suddenly a very large group of plain clothes “people” arrived at the compound with sticks and stones, they were then allowed into the compound by the Egyptians and began attacking the convoy members trapped inside with no where to go. The Egyptians then joined in the attack when the plain clothes vigil antes arrived and went inside to attack. “Pat” said people are hurt and on the ground.

“Pat” said she is unable to find any of our boys. She said there are injured people and she has been going round to help them but so far have not seen out boys, she will keep looking. We continue to try their phones but no contact. I can tell you that our people would be the type to keep their heads down and not get involved in attacking people. But when you are cornered into a fenced compound with no where to go everyone is a sitting duck target, even if you are minding your own business.

We are all so very worried here in Ireland and we continue to try to contact our people. We will update more as soon as we can.

#6 URGENT!!! CONVOY UNDER ATTACK

We are very worried, very worried indeed!!! Riot police earlier moved barriers forward and went after convoy members who were confined. Tear gas, water cannons rock throwing, they are under full on attack as I type this!!! Tried to call JJ and unable to get an answer. Tried another Derry man and an Arabic man answered saying the phone had been knocked away to the ground. Said the convoy members are cornered. god help them!!! Unable to contact ANY OF OUR BOYS!!! we will keep trying!!!!!!!!

This is UTTERLY OUTRAGEOUS!!!

#5 UPDATE VIVA PALESTINA TROUBLE AT AL ARISH

Ok I wanted to get confirmation a 2nd time before posting this. Here’s the story I got. The convoy vehicles are in a fenced, locked and gated compound at Al Arish. The convoy members are WITH the vehicles inside this locked gated compound and are currently locked inside the compound.

Negotiations were going on between the Viva people and the Egyptians, I don’t know what that was about, but the members were trapped inside this compound and not being allowed out with or without their vehicles. Then, negotiations broke down between the VP people and Egyptians. At that point people inside the compound began to make their voices heard by chanting and shouting etc And trying to get out of the locked compound. A convoy vehicle hit the gate, At that point 300+ riot squads encircled the compound and brought in huge military water cannon type vehicles to keep the members and vehicles inside this gated compound and locked inside.

Now, after a short while the VP people emerged again and told people to calm down, that they and the Egyptians were again negotiating. And that is where we are right now. On the 2nd phone call things sounded MUCH calmer and under control, which is a good thing! People need to keep their heads about them at this stage. Because the first call was so chaotic I didn’t want to post anything until I got through again to be honest. Screaming and shouting and sounded very frightening. I hope this is the end of the chaos and Egyptian goalpost moving and it all goes smoothly tomorrow inshallah, we will see. My view? Dont hold your breath, tomorrow at Rafah more crap to be flung at them most likely about who can enter.

The boys managed to get photos of the riot squad and all the chaos as it happened, but has no way to get them online until he gets to Gaza. When I hear more I’ll pass it on. Just adding the official statement from VP convoy out now:

Crisis Point in El-Arish
To all friends of Palestine

Our situation is now at a crisis point! Riot has broken out in the port of Al- Arish.

This late afternoon we were negotiating with a senior official from Cairo who left negotiations some two hours ago and did not return. Our negotiations with the official was regarding taking our aid vehicles into Gaza.

He left two hours ago and did not come back. Egyptian authorities called over 2,000 riot police who then moved towards our camp at the port.

We have now blocked the entrance to the port and we are now faced with riot police and water cannons and are determined to defend our vehicles and aid.

The Egyptian authorities have by their stubbornness and hostility towards the convoy, brought us to a crisis point.

We are now calling upon all friends of palestine to mount protests in person where possible, but by any means available to Egyptian representatives, consulates and Embassy’s and demand that the convoy are allowed a safe passage into Gaza tomorrow!

Kevin Ovenden
Viva Palestina Convoy Leader

#4 UPDATE VIVA PALESTINA MORE PROBLEMS

Trouble in Al Arish AGAIN! Just got a text message, they have not been allowed to leave as they thought. Here’s the latest:

Still at Al Arish, Negotiaions are under way. Egyptians tying to move the goalposts again. All in all we expect to enter early tomorrow morning for possible 24 hours stay inside Gaza. That’s all for now The 5 Boys

#'3 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE 5 JANUARY

I expect there will be lots of these small messages until they finally cross over into Gaza. Here is the latest, just received word for word at 14:35 GMT:

we are leaving right now to travel the last 11 miles to the Rafah crossing where we expect serious negotiations. The last hurdle in a long journey. The 5 Boys

CRIMINALS RUNNING AGAIN FROM THE LAW

Anyone notice a theme here?
Well, the cowardly War criminals are running from the law again. Israel, the “only” democracy in the Middle East, well, then there is Palestine, but they don’t like to talk about THAT democratic election, Never mind, back to the criminals. They have cancelled a visit to Britain for fear of arrest. Because this “so called” democracy in fact does not respect the law at all, and prefers to break it every chance they get. And then arm twist, bribe and pay off countries and governments to protect them from the Law everyone else has to abide by. Hence, Israel’s current answer is not to abide by the law, but change it for the protection of criminals.

link The Israeli military has cancelled a visit by a team of its officers to Britain over fears that they risked arrest on possible war crimes charges.

It is the latest case in which high-profile Israeli politicians or army officers have pulled out of visits to Britain for fear of arrest over war crimes allegations under laws of universal jurisdiction.

Israeli leaders have grown increasingly frustrated about the threat of legal action against individuals and are pressing the British government to change the law.

According to the Israeli paper Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli officials feared possible arrest warrants and contacted British authorities to demand a guarantee that the officers would not be arrested.

Last week, British officials, reportedly, said they could offer no such guarantee and the Israeli military promptly cancelled the visit. The Israel Defence Force declined to comment.

Good, remain in your self made prison, until such time as you can join the human race.

#2 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE 5 JANUARY

Just received another message from the boys:

Heading to Rafah within hours but don't expect to enter ASAP, there will be battle Galloway said.

More as we get them, but they are about to leave for the border now inshallah.

UPDATED #2 VIVA PALESTINA~DERRY TO GAZA UPDATE 5 JANUARY

updated X1 at end of post

No sooner than we got the #1 VIVA PALESTINA update posted here for today, the mobile phone went off with a message from JJ updating the situation. Here's the text message as we received it:

Just arrived in Al Arish. other squad got passports back lastnight & stayed in hotel. So we're sitting waiting for luggage here and hoping for the best. We won't move till rest of convoy comes

What he is referring to is this from Alice Howard:

My last message to all of you was that the Viva Palestina convoy members have arrived into Al-Arish and were just hours away from breaking the siege of Gaza.

Now, I report to you that in the past hour 157 Viva Palestina convoy members passports were taken away at Al-Arish airport by the Egyptian authorities. The Egyptians also removed the passport’s of British MP George Galloway and convoy leader Kevin Ovenden.

All passports were stamped in on entry but also received an exit stamp too. The Egyptian’s wanted 157 convoy members to drive tonight to Gaza and forget about the other 400 Viva Palestina volunteers that were yet to fly into Al-Arish tonight.

Egyptian authorities say that the 400 volunteers would not be allowed entry! Convoy members started a sit down riot and refused to move or leave without their fellow convoy Brothers and Sisters!

I am now pleased to say that all passports have been returned back to their rightful owners and exit stamps have been removed – We won that battle! – Now convoy members are scouting for hotels for tonight and will return tomorrow to be reunited with all convoy members, before moving on, to pick up their vehicles and head for their final destination, Gaza!

Well as you can see that the situation is changing by the hour and I am now calling for all of you to gather at Egyptian Embassies, consulates and interests tomorrow. It will be either to shame the Egyptian government for blocking the convoy further or to celebrate Viva Palestina entering Gaza and organising further solidarity.

Viva Palestina convoy will fight all the way to deliver the aid to Gaza!
Alice Howard
information@vivapalestine.org

NOTE, last message jsut received says they are just waiting for last plane to land at Al Arish, then they will all be heading to Gaza!! fingers crossed inshallah!!

#1 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE 5TH JANUARY

JJ Crockett: "It’s not up to the Egyptians or the Israelis to allow or disallow people into the house of the Palestinian."
The boys have been trying to get this to us, dodgy internet connections are difficult but it's finally here. This update written at 4AM last night Egyptian time:

We are sitting in the Damascus international airport at 4am here. Despite our greatest hopes of flying in from Syria to Egypt, those hopes have been spectacularly shattered once again. The first flight of 120 convoy members that were due to join the aid that had successfully arrived in Al-Arish, departed today at 4pm. We then got on the second flight at 8pm, and all was going to plan for an entry into Gaza tomorrow. Spirits were high, everyone was laughing and the excitement was immense as we were waved off from the Palestinian refugee camp in Latakia, Syria. They told us to give their love to family that they not seen in many years, and gave their blessings to a homeland that they were thrown out of. We shook their hands and embedded their messages deep within us. I really believed that we would arrive in Gaza on the 5th (tomorrow), and even Danny and Derek were hopeful they could get the pre-arranged flight home to Ireland on the 6th. After all, these are two family men, with children that have spent 33 days away from a family that are usually used to having them at their side, especially at Christmas.

However, all these hopes and premonitions were dashed, when our plane had to be diverted to Damascus due to technical problems. We have been here since 0930am and are now just boarding a flight at 6am. Stories are leaking through that our counterparts who had successfully flown into Al_arish earlier, had their passports confiscated and even worse; they were given an exit visa whilst they were only entering the country of Egypt. That’s a hand of welcome from the Egyptians alrite.

So we carry on...more obstacles will appear that’s for sure...and this is just a small insight into the lives of Palestinians that literally stand at checkpoints for hours on a daily basis. We share this suffering with them, and it reassures us that through all this, we will finally meet them and publicise to the world that here is a humble people, broken by a brutal occupation and siege.

We will continue, and hopefully within the next 48 hours, enter Gaza and leave the ambulance and supplies there. I know we have been saying this for a long time, but every time we knock on the door and seem to be let in, they close it shut right in front of us. We keep knocking and we will get in, because it’s not up to the Egyptians or the Israelis to allow or disallow people into the house of the Palestinian.

This is the update from now.. We will join our friends in Al-Arish, and then 2 more flights will transfer the remaining 200 from Syria to Egypt, making us a 500 strong party with 220 vehicles in Egypt by tomorrow afternoon and only 30 kms from the gates of Gaza. God I hope we make it, and so do the other 4 boys. Thanks for your support, and publicising the horror of the brutal siege on Gaza. If we keep this up, then there will be change. We can have trust in this.

good nite, JJ

More soon......

PALESTINIAN SPIRIT ALIVE AND WELL

An irish4palestine report with photos:

The 20th Annual Forum of Palestinians in Austria met in Vienna on 19th December and was attended by several hundred Palestinians, Muslims and Arabs from across Europe.

Participants were able to enjoy a range of Palestinian food whilst browsing a range of stalls selling handicrafts, books, music and videos from Palestine or depicting the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.


This year’s event was dedicated to the issue of Jerusalem Al Quds which is suffering from a concerted effort by the Israeli regime to eradicate its Arab and Palestinian heart and to populate it with settlers.A range of Palestinian dance groups and singers entertained the audience:






The Audience rose to a rousing performance delivered by a group of 2nd generation Palestinian youths from Berlin.




Their militant dances portrayed the long struggle for Palestinian independence and were enthusiastically enjoyed by all those in attendance especially the many children who joined the performers on stage:


Here is the cutest wee boy you ever saw below:


The Danish based group called "Hanin" who play traditional Palestinian folk music (pictured below) you can find their website here, they are excellent!


Speakers from a range of Palestinian organisations explained the background to the struggle over Al Quds Jerusalem, detailing the ruthless campaign of ethnic cleansing taking place throughout Jerusalem under the Israeli occupation.

Below Dr. Arafat Shoukri the executive Director of The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) in London and The Chair of the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza, presents awards:


Mr Hermas from the Co-ordinating Committee of Palestinians in Austria explained “The removal of Arab, streets, houses and even graveyards meant that the Islamic identity of Jerusalem – more than a thousand years of history – was being destroyed. The humiliation of Jerusalem is a catastrophe that the world must act on.”

“Policy makers throughout Europe must take a stand on this issue – the Judification of Jerusalem and the destruction of holy mosques amounts to an apartheid system of ethnic cleansing. This is a crime against Jerusalem which is the capital of the Muslim and Arab world and is sacred to all of humanity.”

Gerry MacLochlainn, Sinn Fein councillor from Ireland, spoke of his recent experiences in Gaza and of his party’s support for Palestinian self-determination and for an inclusive peace process based on equality and inclusion. This process must be based on an end to the Israeli occupation and a complete stop to all settlement activity and the destruction of Arab sites in Jerusalem.

“There can be no possibility of a peaceful resolution within the region without an agreement on the future of Jerusalem and its place as the capital of a Palestinian state which is viable and cohesive.”

Professor Evangelos Pissias from Greece of the Free Gaza movement spoke of the continuity of Palestinian settlement and civilisation in Palestine and in Jerusalem in particular.

“Greece was invaded many times in our history but our people stayed and resisted and we acted for civilisation, Palestinians have done the same and stayed in that region throughout all the invasions and they have demanded their freedom. But Zionism has taken the land from these people and brought in a people who had not lived there for generations and is supported in this by an international conspiracy.

“This is unacceptable and the world must speak out and act in support of Palestine and in opposition to what is happening in Jerusalem. This is a matter for all of civilisation.”

One humanitarian story to report is that of a middle aged Palestinian women who wanted to raise money for the children of Al Quds Jerusalem. So, she took all her wedding jewellery and put it ALL up for auction! She stood on stage with her beautiful gold jewellery presented for sale on a satin with lace cushion on display to the highest bidder in the audience! Her jewellery was then sold to the highest bidder, and, as the winning bidder was a Palestinain himself, after paying for the jewellery, returned it to her, bless.


This remarkable event shows the true unbeatable Palestinian spirit! And Israel actually believes these people will forgot about Palestine................NEVER!

#3 VIVA PALESTINA UPDATE PLANE MALFUNCTION

Two things to report. firstly there is buzz on twitter about peoples passports being not returned after Egyptians take them and issue visas, this is NORMAL procedure. You get the passports back when you enter the gate to go through to Gaza. That's how it was for us. Next there is an update from the boys, a frightening one at that. They were in the process of flying to Al Arish when the plane malfunctioned and was diverted to Damascus where is is undergoing repairs now. Evidently people heard the noise in the air, scary stuff........

You wouldn’t t believe it. 1st flight at 4PM arrived Al Arish ok. We departed at 8PM been diverted to Damascus due to tech problems with plane. It’s genuine, people heard noise. Waiting for plane 2b fixed should be on way shortly still good spirits here. Expect to fly to Al Arish in few hours time.

WAITING FOR CONVOY NEWS

We have been trying to get in touch with our lads, who were supposed to have left for Al Arish on the 8PM flight a few hours ago. When we get them we'll post the latest news. In the meantime, you couldn't make this stuff up if you tried......Israel is training IDF dogs to kill people who speak Arabic. Read it here

#2 VIVA PALESTINA~DERRY TO GAZA~ UPDATE 4 JANUARY

JJ Crockett January 4 at 11:17am Reply
Hello folks, cautious excitement is the mood here, we're ready to explode upon entry to gaza but we are aware through lots of experience that things can change rapidly. But for now, things are looking great, and we are nearing the successful completion of a great journey that we hope will contribute to ending the siege of Gaza. And what an achievement that will be for all the people who took any part in this campaign.

Firstly, the cargo ferry had arrived at Al-Arish earlier this morning and all the vehicles had passed through the customs successfully, without any change being made to the aid within the vehicles. Brilliant!! Never expected this and more importantly it suggests the Egyptians want us in and out asap without delay. So the vehicles are now waiting for us to pick them up at the port of Al-Arish, which as i have said before is only 25 kms from GAZA!!!

Secondly, the transfer of all 450 passengers will be carried out by 4 different runs by the same plane. The first one will begin at 4pm, followed by 8pm, 12pm and then finally 4am. The Derry team are on the 8pm flight. We do not know what to expect upon arrival in al-arish but the management and diplomats have been spread throughout the flights to encounter possible challenges. If all goes well, all 450 people with vehicles will be in Al-Arish by around 8am tomorrow morning. What happens then, i do not know at this point.

I will be sure to update u of anything happens in the next 24-36 hours which are critical. I expect the flights to arrive without a problem, then once in Egypt the challenge will start. I will keep u updated for sure. Heading back now to pack bags for 8pm flights. The 5 of us are in good form here and thanks a lot once again. Almost there!

#1 VIVA PALESTINA 4TH JANUARY

Not much to tell this morning, the boat has arrived in Al Arish and reports claim the cargo has cleared customs and security. We will see if this is so when the members arrive later this evening. The planes are to start flying convoy members over at 4PM today, their time. That is around 1PM Irish time. So we expect some sort of update upon the arrival of the team to Al Arish later today. We wish them all the BEST of luck in delivering the much needed ambulances and medical supplies and medicine they are carrying. How many ambulances were destroyed by Israel in their genocide last December. So this convoys cargo will help to replenish those which were destroyed by Israel. On the convoy; My immediate concern is that Egypt will possibly begin to reduce the amount of convoy members allowed into Gaza once they all arrive i Al Arish, this could be the next hurdle they face. e.g. The negotiations on how many can go in with the aid. I hope all goes swiftly as time is of the essence now. In the meantime here are some great comments from some important people regarding the convoy:

Stuart Littlewood

“I pledge that the UK will remain in the forefront of the humanitarian effort,” says Mr Brown. No, Viva Palestina are at the forefront while Brown and the other loafers twiddle their thumbs.


Noam Chomsky:
Dear Convoy: a message from Noam Chomsky!…

Despite the media blackout, which is a disgrace, this is turning out to be a really spectacular triumph, I think, and it’s hard to express properly my admiration and respect for those who are directly engaged.

It has to be a shot in the arm for the people in Gaza, and might stir up some opposition to the dictatorship in Egypt, which is exposing its brutality daily — to everyone except the US media (hope it’s better elsewhere). And I think a lot of people are going to come back home really invigorated.

Good luck in what lies ahead.

As the majority of us sit in our comfy homes around the world and type on our blogs; We should all be supportive of these regular folk just like us who saved money and asked for donations from strangers in order to sacrifice their own personal lives and time, being away from family over both Christmas and New Year, driving for almost 30 days, sleeping in all sorts of places, not having a decent meal or rest, all because they care about Gaza.

More updates when we get them today

VIVA PALESTINA~LAST UPDATE FOR TODAY 3RD JANUARY

(new photos after post) I expect this will be the last update for today, unless something urgent happens. I hope they all get a good nights rest for the next battle in Egypt at Al Arish with Egyptian Security and "customs", which is always a severe headache. I remember what the Hope Convoy went through for days at the port. It's imperative the Viva convoy gets through quickly in order to make it to Rafah before Egypt closes the gate in two more days.

Update of definite news “mucks” (short for Mo Chara, which means friends in Irish) -flights r delayed till 4PM 2morrow. We were waiting for security clearance and got it. One plane will start taking 3 loads 2morrow at 4PM. That’s it for now.

The 5 Boys

Here are a few more photos to enjoy from the trip so far:
Sleeping area whilst they were stranded and waiting CLICK TO ENLARGE:


HUGE SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY (4 photos)

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in the meantime you can follow the boat live HERE Check back for more updates tomorrow from the Derry to Gaza Viva Palestina team.

NEW PHOTOS~ VIVA PALESTINA~DERRY TO GAZA FIVE

this is the 3rd update today, if you missed any check the sidebar. We just got some great photos from the last 12-24 hours upload and posted below, and another wee note from the boys to further confirm what they reported earlier in great detail HERE.

Alrite folks, finally we have a bit of progress. The ferry with our vehicles has set sail to Al-Arish and will arrive within the next 12-15 hours. Last night, the Israelis had announced they were expanding their international waters to divert the boat. Yet another obstacle, but now we're getting use to jumping them. The five of us would like to thank you very much for your support and the actions you have taken to put pressure on the Egyptian government. I hope that your actions will be rewarded and the people of Palestine, who are just like ourselves, will take a step closer to freedom.

Thanks to the people of Derry and all over the world! Hope to update you again very soon, thanks again

The 5 boys

The boys passing time in the Ambulance with a bit of music, whilst stranded in Syria-CLICK TO ENLARGE


THE BOAT ARRIVES-CLICK TO ENLARGE


ALL HANDS ON DECK....LOADING THE BOAT,PEOPLE ARE EXCITED NOW-CLICK TO ENLARGE


BOAT BEING LOADED IN THE EARLY HOURS-CLICK TO ENLARGE
MORE AS WE GET IT

NEW UPDATE #2 VIVA PALESTINA THE LATEST NEWS

If you read our post just this morning HERE regarding the updated info on Israel. We have even more information in a detailed update below which we just received. The boys attempted to join us here in live chat, but their internet connection is dodgy at best, so we had to wait for email instead. This is the most recent update just received a few minutes ago.

JJ Crockett January 3 at 12:05pm Reply

Things have been changing rapidly in the last 12 hours, and now I will update you fully on developments, with the endpoint being a very good one, as it stands at the moment anyway.

Yesterday at 4pm we loaded the vehicles onto the cargo ferry from the Syrian port of Latakia. This was the Turkish ferry with a Turkish crew that was the outcome of the Egyptian-Turkish agreement to allow a ferry to sail from Syria and not the previous port we were at, Aqaba. So we loaded our vehicles onto the expected 18 hour crossing into Al-Arish. In the meantime we had not yet received 'security clearance' for our flights into Al-Airsh for Sunday (today). We were anxious that we were putting the cart before the horse but it seemed our only option.

At 8pm, further bad news came. 'Security clearance' had not yet been received and even worse, the ferry had not gone out to sail yet. The Israelis had announced that they were expanding their 'international waters' from 12km to 20kms, meaning that the ferry would have to re-co-ordinate its route. We were gutted to hear this, and thought that there would be an endless barrage of obstacles put in our path; with the end result being that we didn’t get into Egypt, never mind Gaza.

Things have improved dramatically since then. At 12pm today, Kevin Ovenden announced that the ship had set sail last night at 10pm on a new route that would extend its period of travel by 8 hours. Happy days we thought, now the confirmation of the flights would have to follow. Kevin said that they had received 'verbal assurances' from the Egyptians about our safe arrival by plane. Whilst on stage, however, he received confirmation that the airline would fly, regardless of clearance or not. So the first of four flights are due to fly out tomorrow at 4am and ideally arrive before the ferry to ensure safe and secure unloading.

So as it stands, and I emphasize that the goalposts are being moved all the time, the ferry has set sail, hopefully it will arrive sometime later this evening or tomorrow morning. Coincidentally, the flights are due to fly out at 4am Monday morning. Inshallah both the vehicles will arrive in Al_arish by Monday evening, and be able to be on the road for Gaza for Tuesday 5th January, one day before the gates are due to close.

This is all I know for now and if there are any developments, I will update u immediately. But all is planned for our entrance of aid and people.

The 5 boys

UPDATED X2 #1 VIVA PALESTINE UPDATE SUNDAY 3RD AM

VIVA PALESTINE UPDATE,Derry to Gaza Team
THREE NEW UPDATES TO REPORT...YET AGAIN

We have been posting messages here as we get them, when we get them, exactly like we get them, word for word. We are doing this so people can see what they are going through. We have tried to get confirmation of yesterday’s report of Israel blocking by sea and were unable to get in contact with team until now. First, this went out last night:

> --------------------
> Subject: Convoy remains in Lataika - conflicting information
>
> The convoy was packed up and loaded onto the ferry this morning. The plan was for around twelve people to travel with all the vehicles on the boat.
>
> The boat has been held up in Lataika, Syria, due to bad weather at sea this afternoon and this evening.
>
> There is also a rumour circulating that the Israeli navy has announced that it will be performing military operations off its coastline, which would prevent other ships - including the convoy - from travelling nearby. We hope that this is not true, but there will be confirmation in the morning.

Things are chaotic there and rumours are spreading, people are fed up angry and lacking sleep. We just got the most recent update, there are two of them, here they are:

FIRST:
They expanded the waters by 12 miles but boat going around it. will be internet in 1 hour with fill update. All systems go 4 now!!

SECOND:
Ferry left at 10 last night. The airline has confirmed first of four flights will depart at 4am 2m,verbal assurance frm Egypt but airline going ahead anyway.we should arrive 2 nite all of us. Well get to internet shortly and update in detail. New craic.

So from my take it looks like Israel had a problem with the route and they are having to go round some 12 mile limit. This most likely last night was spread as a rumour that Israel was blocking the convoy by sea. Makes sense that way. Again, we are posting what we get because people are interested, however, we must all remember these people are exhausted and suffering from lack of rest for 30 days now. So cut them all some slack, as we all sit here in our comfy homes. Now I’m going to have an online chat with the boys in 1 hours, back after that with more.ANOTHER UPDATE

JJ Crockett January 3 at 11:43am Reply cant go on facebook chat for some reason, i will spend u long update now dispelling any rumours and telling u exactly where we are in relation to getting into egypt

ANOTHER UPDATE
LATEST UPDATE AND DETAILED REPORT CAN BE SEEN HERE

URGENT ISRAELI NAVY BLOCK VIVA PALESTINA AID CONVOY

ATTENTION NEW UPDATE HERE

I just got a message from the Derry to Gaza team on the Viva Palestina convoy with the latest developments which are not very good for the Convoy or Gaza, They are hearing that Israel will be performing "military" operations in the waters, and the convoy cannot pass through. This leaves them stranded and unable to make the deadline for crossing the Rafah border which Egypt has given them. When I get more updates I'll post them, that's it for now. Here's the message:

The boats were loaded with aid today and ready to leave for AL Arish, the plan was that we would meet them there, as we would fly to Al Arish and arrive before the boats.

However, the update is that the Israelis have just announced that they will be performing military operations in these waters and therefore the aid has no way of passing through these waters. So there is no point getting flights to Al Arish tomorrow as the aid wont be arriving. Of course, it now seems highly unlikely that we will get to the Rafah crossing between the 3rd and 6th when Egypt said the gates would be open to us. The Convoy is now brought to a total standstill. The Israelis have pulled a very dirty tactic here if what we are hearing is true. For now this is all we are hearing. More updates when we get them.

Derry to Gaza Team

update, it's now after midnight in Ireland, no more news, will check for any messages tomorrow

UPDATE~VIVA PALESTINA~DERRY TO GAZA

Just got the latest update from the Derry to Gaza team:

Just loaded vehicles into carryferry.Whilst it travels to Al-Arish,we await 'security clearance' to fly into 2moro from Egyptians.Its was a difficult decision separating from vehicles but was our only option at this point.We will hopefully fly 2moro or monday at latest.Once in Egypt, we are sure to enter Gaza but we are not yet in Egypt. We wait and wait...but it feels like the end is now near.

BREAK THAT SIEGE BOYS!

VIVA PALESTINA~MESSAGE FROM DERRY TO GAZA TEAM

Two of our favourite blogs; Desertpeace and Silverlining have submitted questions to our "Derry to Gaza" boys on the Viva Palestina convoy. I forwarded the questions and received their reply. Here are the questions followed by the response:

1. Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, expect the leaders of predominately Muslim nations side with Israel ?

2. Do you think the people of those countries are aware of the collaboration?

3. It is a wonderful thing that you are doing. If entry is denied to Gaza , would you consider coming back again?

4. How were you received in the countries you passed through by the people and the government officials or representatives?

5. Why did the convoy decided to go through the Nuwbia port this time and not Al Arish like last time? Does it have to do with how the life line was treated last time? (They don’t know the answer to this but will try to find out)

6. The turnaround of the convoy costs money, did anyone, country, person, etc. contribute to the costs or it is going to be taken from the Viva Palestinian budget? (this was answered by the press release, Turkey is helping them with the boat but they need some help with plane fares)

Reply from the Derry to Gaza team on the Viva Palestina Convoy:

I saw the questions you sent, and I will try to answer them as best we can.

Since leaving Derry we have been blessed by warm, abundant welcomes in most cities. I think we live in an age where the visible effects of power people, has been diverted into different channels.

Governments are much less effected by the people on the street. For instance, when One million or so people marched on the streets of London against the war on Iraq, the government nevertheless continued the war. From this point of view, I have always felt that there was little to be had from shows of solidarity by people against big governments. This trip has changed that outlook absolutely.

Whilst we travelled through Europe, there was some great responses from people in Belgium, Greece and Turkey, however, by and large, in contrast to its Arab neighbours, most European countries were indifferent. Since entering into Greece and down through Turkey into Arabia, the response has been amazing...I have seen people standing in groups, couples and even on their own at 4 am on a rainy street corner waving Palestinian flags.

They throw food and water in our ambulance and reach out to shake our hands, shouting Salam. Without doubt, they feel a deep connection with their brothers in Palestine, and it is through us that they wish to express this. I feel very privileged to be in such a position. Here is one example of the huge amount of support we have had along the way. Just look at the crowd outside our window:


As for the other side of the coin: those who oppose us and don’t want medical aid to enter Gaza, I see them not as a threat but people who will change in time. Their position is one grown from corruption and insecurity. Clearly in their minds, they know that as humans, the people of Gaza do not deserve to be treated like they are by another people. Surely they see that they are in the wrong in their treatment of their fellow man. I think if they do not know this now, then it will dawn on them, the more pressure the world puts on them. I’ve always thought that there were three objectives behind this trip

1. Deliver the ambulance and medical aid to the people of Gaza as practical help

2. in doing so, bring a positive and broad awareness to the plight of people in Palestine, and thus forcing a change

3. Force the Israelis to question their position by stretching out your hand to find their own humanity.

I think at this moment in time, only the second objective has been reached, and very successfully reached thanks to people like yourselves who support our convoy and cause. Hopefully, within the next week or so, we will move to fulfil our two remaining objectives. If we do not get in, then we will feel gutted, disappointed and demoralised.

But it is a long struggle for justice and we must know that. Without doubt, this struggle for the Palestinian people is worth fighting, by anybody's standards. But if we do fail, then I will know that through our efforts and the support we have sustained throughout the last 4 weeks, we have contributed to an already emerging groundswell against the Israeli Zionist regime and its treatment of Palestinians. Let us not forget, that the Palestinians have been the very misfortunate victim of a twisted dream.

They did not deserve for the Zionists to come and take their land, they had not committed a crime that forced the vengeance of history upon them, rather they were in a land that a very deluded people wanted and have taken by force. Any person born into this world could have been Palestinian by chance, and would have lived under the harsh, inhumane conditions imposed upon them, without reason or explanation. So it is for this reason, that we must be united with the people of Palestine. People just like ourselves.

Sorry i cannot write more buts its tough when we are on the move..
thanks a lot for your support

“JJ” from the Derry to Gaza Five, on the Viva Palestina Convoy

BREAKING~VIVA PALESTINA~ 72 HOUR CRITICAL PERIOD BEGINS NOW

UPDATED 2 JANUARY lastest info says Israel will block convoy by sea, read it HERE

Please pass this information on to everyone, we need to be ready to support the Convoy should the worst happen:NEXT 72 HOURS ARE CRITICAL
Received personal message from our boys on the Convoy, followed by a press statement they just released.

Tomorrow our 200 vehicles will travel on a 20 hour ferry aided by 60 volunteers into Al-Arish. The remaining 450 people who can’t enter the ferry will fly to Egypt and arrive before the boats to ensure a secure entry. Next 72hrs are critical as to the success of our whole mission. We don’t know what the Egyptian response will be as we pull into their shores, but we expect the worse and have absolute faith that in time we ill enter the gates of Gaza. JJ Crockett Derry to Gaza Viva Palestina convoy

Here is the press release JUST out from the Viva Palestina Derry to Gaza Five:

PRESS RELEASE

FROM DERRY TO GAZA IN AN AMBULANCE (UPDATE)

HEADLINE: NEXT 72 HOURS ARE CRITICAL

Message received 1st January 2010

Last night we received further info about the next critical 72 hours. Kevin Ovenden, leader of Viva Palestina and right hand man of [George] Galloway, came out and reported that:

We have got a cargo ship which, weather pending, will set sail tomorrow afternoon (1st January) on a 20-hour crossing to Al-Arish. At the moment, the ferry cargo ship only allows 12 people on board but Viva Palestina is trying to extend that to 60 people. These people are crucial to minding the vehicles and ensuring a safe entry into Egypt. The remaining 450 people will fly on chartered airplanes to Al-Arish and arrive Sunday afternoon before the boats, and hopefully we will get out to the port without trouble before the boats arrive.

All these arrangements are dependant on the weather but these are the plans. Overall and inshallah, we expect to be in Al-Arish (25 kms from Gaza) by Sunday afternoon. The last time the convoy was there, they got stones thrown at their vehicles, and physical abuse from the Egyptian police. We expect the same and will draw up strategies to deal with these possiblities. It’s hard to beat down a man that has driven 5000 miles through all lands and seas, fuelled by a tidal wave of great support. The Egyptians will need more than fists to block our entry, though we will not provoke them. Let’s hope for the best and expect the worst.

So, once we enter Al-Arish, the shite will hit the fan....There will be an inevitable 2-3 day delay and possibly more...Rumours suggest the Rafah crossing into Gaza is open from the 3rd to the 5th. Hopefully and ideally, we will enter on the 3rd, spend a couple of days in Gaza building up contacts of support and be able to fly home from Sharm el Sheik on the 6th January. Though this is doubtful. As I said we are prepared for the worst, but live in hope. The next 72 hours are the most critical of the whole campaign and we need your support more than ever, to cover the media side and put pressure on Egyptians to let us through. We are on their doorstep and they must let us in.

Signed, The Gaza Five

About the Gaza Five:

The Gaza Five are: Jonathon Crockett, Eanna O'Donaghaile, Danny Doyle, Eddie Mc Bride and Derek Mc Chrystal. On December 5th this year, five Derry men set out on a long journey from Derry to the Gaza strip in an ambulance full of medical aid and educational resources in order to provide humanitarian relief to the people of that region. These are people who are suffering since the latest conflict, which caused devastation resulting in much of Gaza being destroyed and 1,400 men, women and children being killed. The Israelis have now placed a blockade on Gaza preventing any aid into Gaza's impoverished people and preventing them from leaving. These 5 Derry men took on the task of driving this ambulance all the way to Gaza meeting up with a convoy of 220 other vehicles from all over Europe to deliver humanitarian aid through the organisation 'Viva Palestina'.

URGENT~VIVA PALESTINA NEEDS YOUR HELP NOW

DANGEROUS DAYS AHEAD FOR CONVOY
NOTE I'm reposting this because it is an urgent situation

We have friends on both the Code Pink Gaza Freedom March (stranded and protesting in Egypt) and also on the Viva Palestina Convoy waiting for boats to go to Al Arish. Because of the volatile situation in Egypt we have devoted more time to monitoring that situation than reporting on our Irish boys from Derry. So we plan to do some catching up on the Viva Palestina convoy now because they are about to face a trying and dangerous time. More one that in a minute.

So let us introduce the “Derry to Gaza” team; Danny Doyle, Edward McBride, Derek McChrystal, Eanna O'Donaghaile and Jonathan Crockett:


Jonathan “JJ” Crockett, (pictured in the centre of the photo above) is a teacher at St Brigid's College in Derry. He and the team are delivering an ambulance filled with medical aid donated by Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. Also, students at St. Brigid’s College have donated a lot of educational supplies which can be given to children there. Yesterday JJ had this to say:

" Thank you to the people at home in Derry and further afield for your support on this all important humanitarian mission; your support is the fuel which keeps us going.

" We returned the 500 kms to Damascus which was forced upon us, and now we are going to make our way to the nearby port of Latakia. "We hope to get the ferry to Egypt which takes 20 hours, and arrive into El Arish, only 25 km from Gaza.

"The Turkish government is paying for our ferry to go to Egypt and fair play to them, although the Egyptian government remains hostile to our mission.

"If we are turned away at the Bay of Egypt, or even worse, if we can't get on the ferry, then we will have to face more serious challenges put in our way... of delivering this life saving aid. Either way the next few days are crucial."

UPDATE: We are just in from a vigil for the victims in Gaza and a rally in support of the “Derry to Gaza” lads. As you well know the convoy is facing great obstacles at the moment. At the rally today Marty Crockett, brother of JJ Crockett, one of the drivers, read out an update he’d received from JJ today. The rally had a great turnout and it was grand to hear from our boys who are in Syria via text messages, calls and emails. IMPORTANT INFO AFTER THIS:
Marty Crockett reading message from Convoy

Sinn Fein Clr and former Deputy Leader of the "Hope Convoy" to Gaza in May 2009, Gerry MacLochlainn, reading out names of children murdered by Israel.


SDLP Clr Colum Eastwood reading names of children murdered by Israel

Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney with Steve Crockett in support of the "Derry to Gaza" five.
After the rally ended, we were speaking to Steve Crockett, also JJ's brother, who gave us the latest on the convoy. They have now arrived in Syria and are currently waiting for the boat to take the vehicles to Al Arish. Another problem they have faced is the cargo ship cannot take the people, only the aid and vehicles. The convoy personnel do not want to leave their vehicles, but are forced to do so and were expected to take other boats to Al Arish which would leave the cargo alone for some time at the Egyptian port. This was immediately deemed as unacceptable and turned down. They then decided the best option was to fly the convoy members into Egypt on charter planes so as to quickly get back to their vehicles. Another problem, how to pay for this. Thankfully the Great and Good Government of Turkey has offered to pay for the cargo ship to Egypt. Turkey is to be commended for this humanitarian act of kindness to the convoy and the people of Gaza who will receive the aid. BUT THEY NEED DONATIONS FOR THE CHARTER PLANES TO EGYPT, link to donate at end of post. MORE:

So, where it stands now is they are in the process of having the vehicles go by boat and the people by plane. Should all things go according to “plan” the convoy should arrive in Gaza in 4-7 days. However, what worries me is one dangerous situation looms in the distance, and that danger is Israel. For the Israeli pirates who only a few months back boarded, seized and confiscated a boat of dignitaries bound for Gaza, then jailed Mairead Corrigan, Cynthia McKinney and many others, could make an attempt to seize the cargo boat.

To all our readers: We have made arrangements to be in contact with the “Derry to Gaza” team and will post personal updates here as we get them, along with any photos as well.

And to the “Derry to Gaza” Team, if you see this post, your families all say “We are so proud of you, best of luck” and the whole of Derry support you!!
URGENT VIVA PALESTINA APPEAL BELOW:
On 6th December 2009 the third Viva Palestina international aid convoy set off from London. Over the next few weeks it traveled almost three thousand miles through 9 countries gaining support as it went. By 24th December, Christmas Eve, when it reached the post of Aqaba in Jordan it had grown to almost 500 people in 250 vehicles - carrying much needed medical aid for the besieged people of Gaza.

And there it's journey could have come to an end. The convoy was refused passage across the Red Sea to the Sinai by the Egyptian authorities - gatekeepers of the Rafah crossing into Gaza. The convoy would only be allowed to enter Gaza if it landed at the port of Al-Arish on the Mediterranean coast.

The convoy was forced to turn around and head back through Jordan and Syria to take ship from there to Egypt. But this solution, imposed by the Egyptian authorities, has come at a cost. Viva Palestina and our partners will need to charter three ferries and a plane to move our vehicles and convoy members from Syria to Egypt. And we need to raise the money to pay for this.

So we are asking our friends and supporters to dig deep in their pockets and make an emergency donation towards the costs now facing the convoy. With your help we will once more deliver aid to the people of Gaza - and once more demand the end to this in human siege.

Thanks you for your support and may we wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Viva Palestina

Please forward this email to your friends, family and contacts

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