The Convoys You DON'T Hear About

The big convoys to Gaza are wonderful, but there are hundreds of other un-sung hero's working for Palestine. We all hear about the big George Galloway Convoys and the big ones with Cynthia McKinney and so many other high profile people, and that is all good. But, the truth is there are hundreds of smaller ones that go relatively un-noticed, despite their hard work. So today I want to plug a group of people who have worked their collective "Arses" off to bring aid to Gaza. They are now at the border and should pass though very soon we hope. It all depends on the Evil Rogue State now, so let us all wish them well and support them as they now attempt to enter Gaza with the much needed aid. Their story is heartfelt, give it a read and give them your support. And remember that every day regular unknown people, who you never hear of, manage to do amazing things for Palestine. Here is the story of "Pathways to Palestine", or in Irish "Slí Phalaistín"

Palestine - Irish Cyclists Reach Jerusalem on 6000km Journey to Gaza

Cycling close to double the distance of the Tour de France, four Irish cyclists are now on the final stretch of their journey to from Ireland to Gaza.

The students, having just reached Palestine, arrived into Jerusalem Saturday and will attempt to cross into Gaza over the coming days. Their 6000km cycle aims to raise money in support of an emergency appeal to provide for neo-natal care and medical resources for burn victims in Gaza.

The initiative came from Eoghan Quinn (21), a type-1 diabetic, after he learned of the restrictions on medical supplies reaching Gaza. “As a diabetic I am completely dependant on constant access to medicine. I wanted to use my fortunate circumstance to help those cut off from the outside world in Gaza.”

They set off on their arduous journey from Ireland on June 22 and have been cycling over 150km a day, resting only once a week. “We are really looking forward to reaching Gaza, said cyclist Ronan Sheehan adding “we have overcome hypothermia in France, several falls with some on busy highways and survived being chased by wild hounds in central Turkey, its been tough but epic”.

The cyclists have been assisted by a small support crew which includes John Lyttle: “I am in absolute awe of the lads for what they have achieved so far and through my background as a student physiotherapist and first aider, I aim to help in any small way in the completion of their mission”

The intrepid travellers have received support from around the world, including a formal motion of commendation passed by the Scottish Parliament and a reception in the Irish Parliament hosted by Irish MPs and Senators. As they travelled through each country the team documented the trip on their website via an innovative audio blog that lets them phone and ‘phlog’ direct to the site. (Also posted are many photos!!)

According to cyclist Gearoid O Cuinn, Gaza’s medical infrastructure has been crippled by the two year long siege that has led to widespread malnutrition and many preventable deaths. “We are working with the health care charity ‘Medical Aid for Palestinians’ – MAP - to try in some small way to alleviate the situation,” said Gearoid.

If they succeed their back-up vehicle will be donated to a rehabilitation hospital that was partially destroyed in the January offensive. “Even as we prepare to reach Gaza we will continue in our efforts to raise money for our charity (MAP) via our website www.pathwaystopalestine.com” said Tom Watts, member of the support team “All monies raised online go directly to their operations on the ground”, he added.

The team consists of Eoghan a town planning student; John Maher (30), medical student; Ronan Sheehan(21), pharmacy student and Gearóid Ó Cuinn (29) law student, all of whom attended the same high school. The support vehicle travelling with the four cyclists will be driven by trainee physiotherapist, John Lyttle (23), from Derry and Tom Watts (21), from Sheffield, who studies psychology. Project coordinator: Gráinne Quinn

#7 HOPE CONVOY~TROUBLE LOOMS

Well, things are now going from bad to worse. Here is the current situation:

The convoy members and the Politicians have all gone through Egyptian security at the border, entered the compound (passed the first checkpoint and entered the compound) where they had ALL of their passports stamped and APPROVED to LEAVE Egypt. That took place 4 hours ago. Now, Despite having all their passports stamped LONG ago, the members have been sitting and waiting for hours now for the final checkpoint to be opened to Gaza. They are 50 metres from Gaza right now!

Now, the Egyptians are are not allowing them to leave Egypt, this despite, I say again, their passports ARE stamped and APPROVED to LEAVE Egypt!

Additionally, there is some "talk" now of Egypt not allowing the total number of 98 people in the Convoy, to leave and enter Gaza, I say again, after they have already had their passports stamped allowing them to LEAVE Egypt. There are 40 vehicles on this convoy and all of the members are needed to deliver this aid to Gaza.

The Egyptian authorities have offered the members the opportunity to return to Al Arish for the night, whilst this negotiation/stand off continues. And then to return to the crossing tomorrow morning. Let me be clear, the convoy WILL NOT return to Al Arish, they will remain right where they currently are, at the border, as they have come this far and have been approved to LEAVE Egypt over 4 hours ago, even though they are currently being blocked from leaving Egypt by the same authorities who stamped their passports earlier in the day.

A large number of journalists and media are there, and even they are beginning to become agitated. So I expect we will begin to see some television coverage of this very soon.

I am very tired and I hope I have been clear, however, If anyone needs clarification, or wishes to get a message to a convoy member, let me know by making a comment and I will try to help.

As things continue to progress I will keep the blog updated.

updatedx1~GAZA HOPE CONVOY~#1 SATURDAY 23 MAY

updated x1
Good morning everyone:

It's moving quickly now. Was just on the phone with one of my friends when the buses arrived to pick up the members and take them to the convoy vehicles at the port. So they will arrive at the port very soon and then the members will drive the vehicles loaded with the medical aid to the Rafah border.

The convoy will be accompanied by Egyptian security who will see them to the border. Once at the border they will have to clear inspection and passport control, then enter Gaza. This could take a bit of time as there are many others waiting for entry ahead of the convoy, or, the convoy could be put right through quickly. We will see what happens later today.

I expect many updates today as we monitor the progress to the border and crossing into Gaza. Additionally when my friends are able to get online I will have photos as well. The updates will be numbered from #1 (this one now) up to how ever many I get until the day ends and the convoy retires for the night.

UPDATE x1
just want to add this small update to what was said above. My friend just rang me again and said that the buses just took the drivers and will be right back for the rest of the members. So whilst they were waiting my friend went to go online to send me some information, and surprise, the Internet was not available. Which, I find "odd" as this Internet location has been being used by both of my friends for several days now. What this means is that I will have to rely on phonecalls only form this point on until they are able to get online inside Gaza. I expect several phonecalls throughout the day and Will post them when I get them.

HOPE CONVOY-#2 UPDATE-TUESDAY

Here is the scoop on the Convoy. I’ve just had a nice long chat by phone with one of my friends on the convoy, which is way better than text messages which can be misconstrued.

Here is the deal from beginning to end for today; We all know the boat from Italy arrived in Alexandria some days ago. The problem and delay was/is because the Egyptians have now passed a law taking effect after the George Galloway/Viva Palestina Convoy and it will no longer allow large convoys to travel by road across Egypt to Gaza. So, for the “Hope” convoy, what is required was for the boat from Italy to be off loaded to another boat to then travel to the Port at Said.

So, the biggest delay has been because the other boat, which is coming from Libya, has not arrived yet in Alexandria. It has now been verified that the new boat is currently en route and will arrive in Alexandria shortly, where it will then be loaded and then sailed to Port Said to arrive there on Thursday or Friday, barring no more problems.

At that point the Egyptians will accompany the convoy by road to Al Arish and on to the Rafah border, where it is expected to arrive in Gaza. The earliest arrival would be Thursday late, but most likely Friday or Saturday. Again, barring no more problems.

Additionally, there is a Sinn Fein Politician whom I know on the convoy. I am told he may be giving an interview to a local radio station at 9:30AM tomorrow morning. If it takes place I should be able to get a link to the podcast of that interview if people are interested in hearing it.

Any more news will be posted as I get it. Remember, if you miss a day you can search my tags “hope convoy”

Israel Bans Medical Equipment

Just like he banned "Pasta" saying it was not "food" They must now believe Palestinians do not need medical supplies either. What a disgraceful and despicable rogue state Israel is.

Israel bans medical equipments and supplies imported by the PA to enter Jerusalem

Hatem Abed Al-Qader, the a Palestinian PM Jerusalem Affairs advisor, told reporters Monday that equipments were donated by the Islamic Bank and worth several million USD.

According to Abed Al-Qader there will be Six Palestinian hospitals in Jerusalem that will be effected because of the new ban; Maqased, the Islamic Hospital, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint John Hospital, the Red Crescent Hospital and Amira Basma Clinic. LINK