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
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