18.00 (GMT) Sunday 8th March
ALL CALM NOW AT AL ARISH
Press TV have reported that this evening the convoy came under attack by a group of men claiming to be from a faction of Fatah. Stones were thrown and a number of vehicles were scrawled with anti-Hamas slogans. A few of the convoy members were slightly injured but, we would like to stress, none seriously. We have no way of knowing whether the claims of these attackers were true or not. However, George expressed his disappointment and concern at the turn of events - and pointed out that he had spent 35 years with the Palestinian resistance alongside Fatah and the late Yasser Arafat.
At 18.00 (GMT) I spoke with the convoy leaders who report that the area is now quiet and everyone is safe. They are disappointed that the Egyptian police did not protect the convoy as they should have done. But they do not expect a repeat of the earlier events.
Planning is underway for the crossing into Gaza, which they expect to take place tomorrow. The Gazan welcoming committee have re-scheduled their planned welcome for Monday.
We will keep you posted.
Clive Searle
Viva Palestina Email Alert
15.30 (GMT) Sunday 8th March
FRUSTRATIONS AT RAFAH CROSSING
The Viva Palestina convoy is still stuck 40km from the Rafah border crossing at Al Arish after it was being prevented from progressing through the border gates to Gaza.
During the day new obstacles have been placed in the path of the convoy passing into Gaza via the Rafar crossing - to the amazement and disbelief of everyone involved.
However, the whole convoy is determined to stay united in purpose and in one piece - and that all vehicles and equipment including the convoy's mascot, the red fire engine as well as the boat and the Bolton generator will enter Gaza together.
George Galloway and other convoy leaders have been involved in lengthy negotiations all day with the Egyptians to find a solution and remove these new obstacles. Negotiations will carry on for the rest of the day but it does look likely that the convoy will not cross into Gaza today. Indeed, Yvonne Ridley reports, from the Viva Palestina compound in Al Arish, that these is now a football match taking place between the British and Libyan drivers
Members of the convoy have found themselves extremely frustrated.
But everyone is hopeful that the humanitarian aid they have carried for 24 days over 10,000km, across seven countries and two continents, entering their third continent yesterday, will finally reach the needy and destitute people and children of Gaza without any further delays.
Will keep you updated.
On a brighter note, the Scottish Medical Aid convoy which passed into Gaza yesterday reports that they have distributed all their medical aid to the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza – including the keys to their trucks. They await the passage of our convoy and send their solidarity greetings.
Farid Arada and Clive Searle
12.30 pm (GMT) Sunday 8th March 2009
News for the border reaches us where George Galloway and other convoy leaders, who have not crossed but are in negotiations with the authorities, confirm that they expect every vehicle to be allowed through the crossing today. There is some confusion as other reports in ther media suggested that the Egytians were not going to alllow the fire engine, boat and generator through.
12 noon (GMT) Sunday 8th March 2009
A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY
They are all at the Rafah crossing point. All members of the convoy made it, joined by supporters of Viva Palestina who flew out from the UK yesterday.
Sadly, it was not the end of their gruelling journey as they are finding life difficult at the border.
Reports from Rafah only minutes ago confirm that a stand off is taking place due to the Al Arich governor's decision to process only 25 vehicles a day.
Press TV reports that leaders of the convoy including George Galloway and deputy leader Talat Ali and Nazir are in intense negotiations with the Egyptians.
Yvonne Ridley reports on Press TV that there are rumours that there is an attempt to move some of the convoy to Israeli controlled crossings. Members of the convoy are united in their determination to cross at the Rafah border crossing. The Libyan contingent, which comprises 100 trucks, is adamant that under NO circumstances they will cross through an Israeli controlled crossing.
Ahmed Al-Najjar, the deputy manager of the reception committee in Gaza confirms that the key to the opening of the Rafah crossing is with Egypt. The Viva Palestina convoy is another nail in the coffin of the siege according to Mr Al-Najjar.
A reception will take place at the gate of the Rafah crossing where the convoy will be greeted with flowers and flags. Then they will taken through the Salah Eddine main road to Gaza City where they will witness the destruction that the Israelis inflicted on the Palestinian people.
After a rest and gathering in Katiba Square, the convoy will be divided into groups, some staying in Rafah, some in Khan Younes and the rest in the North.
In the last few minutes, George Galloway, Lauren Booth and other activists crossed into Gaza.
Will keep you updated.
Prepared and translated by Farid Arada
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