Egypt gives go ahead to Viva Palestina aid convoy

The Egyptian government has given permission to Viva Palestina aid convoy, bound for the Gaza Strip, to sail to the port of Al-Arish. The 400 passenger carrying convoy was also told it would get a free passage across the border in to Gaza after it arrives at the Sinai port.

Egypt's decision to agree to the passage came after an eight day contemplation process and a cajoling by several countries including Syria. It has been reported that the convoy will now board a cargo ship in the Syrian port of Letakia and sail to Al-Arish.

Organisers of the Viva Palestina said that the trip is, "the biggest and most international aid convoy ever bound for Gaza, with 148 vehicles carrying more than five million dollars worth of medication, school equipment and aid."

The convoy comprises of aid workers from all corners of the world including New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, South Africa and the US. A number of prominent political figures and civil servants have joined the convoy, among them are survivors of the Israeli attack on the Turkish aid ship Mavi Marmara. Nine pro-Palestinian activists were killed when Israeli troops opened fire on civilians on board the Mavi Marmara.

Source: Al Jazeera

For more news and expert analysis about Egypt, please see Egypt Politics & Security.

Hamas leader Ismail Radwan says Palestinian reconciliation is beyond reach

On Wednesday 28th July, a senior Hamas leader, Ismail Radwan said that Palestinian reconciliation is beyond reach, as a result of American interference, the issue of direct peace talks with Israel and Fatah's refusal to send thousands of passports to residents of Gaza who need to travel abroad.

Radwan added that Hamas is ready to sign a national reconciliation agreement but emphasised that it is difficult at the current time given what's happening on the ground.

He did not allude to Hamas' reservations about the Egyptian-sponsored document, which many believe is the key sticking point in reaching reconciliation.

These statements add another twist to the ongoing reconciliation saga; with no clear time plan of when this important objective will be met, leaving everything uncertain and with Egypt unwilling to make amendments to its document, it seems reconciliation will continue to be off the agenda for sometime.

For more news and expert analysis about Egypt, please see Egypt Politics & Security.

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