Jerusalem – Ma'an – A long-delayed British-led aid convoy expects to enter the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing from Egypt at 2pm local time on Tuesday, the convoy's spokeswoman Alice Howard told Ma'an.Early Tuesday morning, Egyptian authorities withheld the passports of 157 Gaza-supporters travelling with the convoy at the Al-Arish airport. Among those whose travel documents were seized was British Member of Parliament George Galloway (picture).
Those that arrived in Al-Arish were told that the remaining 400 volunteers due to enter Gaza with the convoy on Tuesday would not be allowed to transit, the Viva Palestina organization said.
The passports were stamped with entry and exit stamps, but were then returned to their holders with the exit stamp removed, the campaigners said.
Despite the setback, the convoy carrying medical and humanitarian aid intends to enter Gaza on Tuesday.
The convoy was left stranded in Aqaba, Jordan on Christmas Eve when Egyptian authorities announced that the convoy would not be allowed to dock in Nuweiba. Following negotiations, the convoy was told to return to Syria and send its supplies to Al-Arish by ferry.
Volunteers from 17 countries around the world will leave over 150 vehicles they have travelled in for the Palestinian population in Gaza.
Galloway led two successful convoys to Gaza last year.
