Convoy to Gaza: PSC Report
Following the success of Viva Palestina's convoys breaking the siege of Gaza after the war, PSC decided to partner with VP in their next attempt to break the siege and deliver humanitarian aid on the anniversary of Israel's massacre in Gaza. The surge in membership after the Gaza war demonstrated that there was a real desire to help the Palestinians - and the convoy gave members an opportunity to demonstrate their solidarity in multiple ways - from fundraising, collecting aid, to physically breaking the siege.
PSC's resources - particularly staff time - went into organising the logistics prior to and during the convoy, including building the online registration process; liaising with the reception committee in Gaza about what aid is needed there; communications prior to the convoy set off; and practical support for members buying aid and vehicles.
Over 500 people from across the globe joined the convoy en route - which doubled in size in Turkey when we were joined by over 200 Turkish volunteers and 63 vehicles; along with a number of Americans, Malaysians, Brits and a sizeable number of Jordanians when we got to Amman. There was significant political support for the convoy from Greece onwards resulting in free accommodation (hotels in Damascus and Amman); food; blanket media coverage and an overwhelming level of support for the Palestinian cause from the general public - many of whom were Palestinian refugees in Syria/Jordan - that gave us a hero's welcome wherever we went.
The addition of the Turkish volunteers, led by the IHH Charity (the biggest charity in the country and founded by the current PM) gave a significant boost to the convoy. The PSC visited the Turkish Parliament and met with senior politicians, who assured us they would use all their political persuasions to support our attempts to break the siege - and whose services we later used to negotiate with the Egyptian consulate in the port town of Aqaba when Egypt refused to all the convoy over the Red Sea and in Al-Arish about entering Gaza and what vehicles would be allowed in.
The IHH were instrumental in sourcing and helping to finance a ship when the convoy was told that it could only enter Egypt via Al-Arish. Not only did this demand considerably delay our entry into the country, it trebled the cost to the convoy - however this didn't stop us entering Gaza. A financial appeal made by VP, along with contributions by the Turkish and Syrian government and wealthy donors from the Gulf, angered by Egypt's behaviour, help paid for difference in costs ensured that we were able to continue our mission.
The convoy eventually flew to Egypt from Lathakia to Al-Arish, where we were reunited with the vehicles in a confined port. Intense negotiations with an Egyptian official, to secure our entry into Gaza with all the vehicles, broke down, after which volunteers were attacked by plain clothes police - resulting in 55 injured, 11 hospitalised and 6 arrests.
The convoy entered Gaza the following evening (Wed) after securing the release of those arrested, and conceding on the Egyptians demands on not allowing 59 vehicles into Gaza, but with a reassurance that they would be allowed out of the country and have now been given to Palestinian refugee communities in Syria and Lebanon.
We were welcomed by thousands of Palestinians as we drove to Gaza city as we got there after midnight - thanking us for making the month long journey to break the siege. Despite being initially told that we would be able to spend 48 hours in Gaza, we were told the following day we only had 24 hours and to reach the Gaza border by midday Friday. This had an enormous impact on what were able to do - as there were a number of events already scheduled to welcome us and congratulate us for breaking the siege.
We handed over the keys to our vehicles to those in charge of distributing the aid to the reception committee. We then visited hospitals - seeing first hand how supplies like medicines, medical machinery such as kidney dialysis machines and incubators would be used; saw first hand the schools, government buildings, factories, homes that had been bombed to the ground yet were unable to be rebuilt because of the lack of construction materials allowed into the strip; and were welcomed like heroes at the rally and government reception that had been organised for us. Many of us spent the only evening we had with families - who shared horrific stories of how life was for them during the war and their daily life under siege. We heard three bombs go off that night - reminding us just how lucky we were, and that unlike the Palestinians there, we could leave the strip.
We left Gaza, reluctantly, but with a new vigour to do whatever we can to help the Palestinians who had so warmly embraced us; with new ideas of project that would strengthen our solidarity links and a staunch determination of doing whatever we could upon our return to break the siege on Gaza.
A few of our members' testimonials:
Our rainbow convoy of vehicles released the pent-up passion which many, many people along the route clearly feel for Palestine and its oppressed people. They gave us a priceless cargo of emotion: take our love to Gaza. They trusted us to deliver and we did."
The welcome in Gaza was rapturous, overwhelming. We believe that we did lighten their dark, oppressed world a little and reassured them that they were not forgotten.
Nicholas Hall, Heather and Steve Stroud, Michael Gwilliam, PSC York Branch
The convoy to Gaza with Viva Palestina and PSC was an incredibly challenging and inspiring experience. Its eventual success relied upon eye-opening hospitality along the route as well as the steadfast determination and patience of volunteers, organisers and supporters. Disorientating logistics and operational size posed real challenges to cohesiveness and communications particularly when faced with Egypt's travel restrictions. Despite these things our massive and diverse group entered Gaza, and we met people who told us that because of us they knew they were not alone - a humbling and unforgettable reward.
Alex Phillips, Team Leader and PSC member, Hackney.
Back home after a very long and sometimes hard journey travelling through Europe Turkey, Syria on to Jordon, for Aqaba, crossing over to Egypt onto Gaza by the 27th of December. The Egyptian Authorities and Police were willing to do anything to stop us from breaking the siege of Gaza insisted that part of the convoy in El Arish should go ahead without the rest of the convoy members, but after they objected, the Egyptian Authorities relented. People really do hold the power when they stand together.
David Cole, PSC member, Slough
Children from Nusierat Camp, Gaza
Destroyed Ministry of Justice Building
Protest in Aqaba port
Message of congratulations from Betty Hunter to PSC members on the convoy to Gaza
Dear Member,
Congratulations on successfully breaking the siege on Gaza. We know that this has been an arduous journey requiring a huge commitment from you personally (and your family and friends). However your perseverance and tenacity which was tested many times - particularly by the Egyptian authorities- will have been recognised by the people of Gaza as a huge support for them.
We are proud of everyone who took part in what was an important political as well as humanitarian project, and hope that you will all be invited to speak on many occasions about your experience and the situation in Gaza.
If you have any comments about your experience which would help us plan any similar activities in future please let us know as we will be discussing the convoy at the next Palestine Solidarity Campaign branch forum.
Very best wishes,
Betty
Read the PSC blogs and twitter updates from the journey here