We have set out to break the siege of Gaza
My Name
Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:06:33 GMT
The Gaza Freedom March says Egyptian authorities have taken
the decision to close the Rafah border crossing over what
they alleged to be escalating tension on the border with the
besieged Gaza Strip.
http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20091223/pirhayati20091223163645812.jpg
"We responded that there is always tension at the border
because of the siege and that if there are any risks, they
are risks we are willing to take. We also said that it was
too late for over 1,360 delegates coming from over 42
countries to change their plans now," the campaign
organizers said.
They went on to say, "Although we consider this as a
setback, it is something we've encountered - and overcome -
before. No delegation, large or small, that has entered Gaza
over the past 12 months has received a final okay before
arriving at the Rafah border. Most delegations were
discouraged from even heading out of Cairo to Rafah. Some
had their buses stopped on the way. Some have been told
outright that they could not go into Gaza. But after public
and political pressure, the Egyptian government changed its
position and let them pass."
"Our efforts and plans will not be altered at this point. We
have set out to break the siege of Gaza and to march in Gaza
on December 31 against the international blockade. We are
continuing the journey," added the organizers.
"Egyptian embassies and missions all over the world will be
hearing by phone, fax and email from delegates and the
supporters of the Gaza Freedom March over the coming crucial
days, with the clear message: Let the international
delegation enter Gaza and let the Gaza Freedom March
proceed."
Organizers say some 1,300 peace activists from 42 countries
have registered for the Gaza Freedom March which aims to end
the siege of Gaza by attempting to break Israel's illegal
and inhumane blockade.
Israel has continued to close all border crossings to the
Gaza Strip for more than two years. The illegal Israeli-
imposed blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has steadily
tightened since 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the
humanitarian and economic situation in the coastal enclave.
Some 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights,
including freedom of movement, and their rights to
appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.
Poverty and unemployment rates stand at approximately 80
percent and 60 percent respectively in the Gaza Strip.
Egypt with the Palestinian Authority's blessings has sealed
its borders with the Gaza Strip, effectively cutting off the
coastal enclave from the rest of the world.
MP/HGH/MMN
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=114488§ionid=351020202
3rd int'l charity convoy nears Gaza
Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:04:40 GMT
The third international convoy, known as the "Viva
Palestina," destined for the Gaza Strip has arrived in
Jordan through Syria.
http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20091222/fazeli20091222235900359.jpg
The Lifeline 3 charity convoy containing 210 trucks laden
with basic food items and medical supplies was welcomed by
the Secretary General of the Jordanian Hashemite Charity
Authority Ahmad Amyan who represented Prime Minister Samir
Rifai on Tuesday.
The convoy, led by British lawmaker George Galloway, was
also welcomed by dozens of Jordanian politicians, activists
and unionists who were led by Abdullah Obeidat, president of
the Professional Associations Council.
According to Galloway, the convoy would spend two days in
Jordan before leaving the Red Sea port of Aqaba for the Gaza
Strip.
He further pointed out that he was accompanied by 450
activists, including 30 Americans, 150 Turks and a number of
Europeans.
Early December, Galloway told the Islamic Republic News
Agency (IRNA) that people in Gaza are in dire need of food,
medicine and fuel.
He strongly criticized Western countries and the British
government for providing all-out support for Israel and said
in the absence of the Western support for the Palestinian
people, Muslims are duty-bound to help them.
The convoy left England's capital London on December 3 and
will arrive in the Gaza Strip on December 27 to mark the
first anniversary of the Israeli offensive against Gaza that
left over 1,400 Palestinians dead and about 5,000 injured.
The three-week assault also led to the destruction of
schools, mosques, houses as well as UN compounds, inflicting
$ 1.6 billion damage on Gaza's economy.
HRF/MMA
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=114458§ionid=351020202
--
A government, of Israel, by Israel, and, for: Israel.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light:
for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. The light shineth in darkness;
and the darkness comprehended it not. The light of the body is the eye:
if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.
If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give thee light. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.