Viva Palestina Updates & More

Firstly:
Thanks to everyone who wished our guys well during their long viva Palestina convoy trip to Gaza. They arrived home to Ireland today and are recovering from the long trip, many stories to tell. We will be publishing a report of their trip shortly after they rest and gather their thoughts on paper. Also, The local Mayor is having a reception for them and we hope to cover that as well on the blog.

Secondly:
Additionally, We apologise for the minimal posting of blog entries Saturday, Sunday and possibly Monday. We are currently dealing with some personal issues which should be resolved by Monday or Tuesday. So bear with us as we will have the report from the convoy coming up soon, AND with a Bit O' Irish Luck a "big" surprise for our readers next weekend as well! So stick around, it will be worth it if it all works out:)

#5 LOOKS LIKE ALL ARE BEING DEPORTED

In update #4 we reported that Galloway AND Ron McKay were marched into a van and taken directly to the airport, placed on a flight to London. Since then, I’ve had a series of texts over the last few hours or so from the boys still st Rafah. A picture is emerging. I was told a few hours ago they were starting to go through the crossing at Rafah. But each hour another text saying they were still “crossing” over. That the progress was very slow. They said they’d be staying in a hotel in Egypt tonight and flying out tomorrow morning on the flights they booked. That was their plan and most likely the plans for everyone else on the convoy. But Egypt had other plans for them.

The most recent text says they are NOT allowed to stay in a hotel in Egypt, but are being “escorted” to the airport, where they will have to sleep overnight, and remain until their plane comes tomorrow. This is literally in essence, almost the SAME treatment Galloway got. We also reported that mann news agency said Egypt had now placed all the names of everyone on the convoy onto a "blacklist" and would be banned from entering Egypt or travelling to Gaza through Egypt again. It appears to be they are ALL being deported as they are not allowed to stay in their hotels or go anywhere in Egypt and were “escorted” to the airport and forced to remain there until they board flights home in the coming days. Last few texts are below:

1. more stalling at Rafah crossing but getting through now. No panic will get flight tomorrow. Job Finished.( received 2 1/2 hours ago)

2. Still getting through. Slow process but getting there.(received 1 1/2 hours ago)

3. Got through customs ok. Escorted by bus straight to Airport. NO hanging around Egypt, suits us just fine! We will sleep at airport tonight. No more updates unless something changes.(Just recieved now)

#4 TWO DEPORTED AND ALL MEMBERS ON "BLACKLIST"

Just reading HERE where not only George Galloway was deported, but also Ron McKay from the Respect Party as well. Both were booted out at the same time. Additionally maan news is now reporting that all the convoy members names are now on a "black list" and will not be allowed entry into Egypt or Gaza again. Here:

Egyptian security sources confirmed the decision to deport Galloway, saying officials had decided to bar the British MP from entering Egypt in the future and added the country would "also put all the convoy members on the black list after they leave."

#3 UPDATE VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY

Just got latest message, they said the convoy is passing through the Rafah bordor right now. No word of arrests at this time. A hour ago I was away from the computer and got a message that said they were still being held at Rafah and the tunnels nearby were being bombed. Also they heard that 14 members would be arrested, no update on that since. But as you can see frm the most recent news they are moving through the border right now. That's all we know:)More was we get it.

#2 MASSIVE TROUBLE GAZA UNDER ATTACK AND CONVOY STUCK AT RAFAH

GAZA IS UNDER ATTACK MULTIPLE LOCATIONS READ THAT HERE AND CONVOY MEMBERS TRAPPED AT RAFAH: just got a text message. here it is:

They are refusing to allow us through Rafah crossing. Egyptians are going to arrest 14 people. George Galloway was deported last night.

#1 VIVA PALESTINA MORE CONVOY TROUBLE 8 JAN

Two things. Firstly on the facebook page of Yousef Al-Helou, who is the reporter stationed inside Gaza, he said this:

Updates from Gaza: George Galloway is stuck in Rafah crossing, he is not allowed to leave Gaza, some say he is being maltreated now

And also I was sent this (thanks) link, it's in Arabic,so you have to use google to translate the link, but it says that Egypt plans to arrest 7 convoy members when they leave Gaza and enter Egypt. NOW THIS JUST OUT:

link MP Galloway deported from Egypt
(UKPA) – 18 minutes ago

MP George Galloway has been deported from Cairo despite wanting to return to Gaza to help members of a humanitarian convoy who have reportedly been arrested, a spokeswoman for the convoy said.

Plain clothes police officers bundled the Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow on to a plane bound for London, said a spokeswoman for the Viva Palestina convoy.

"Mr Galloway had been trying to return to Rafah after news broke that seven of the convoy members are said to have been arrested," she said.

#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

#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!!