I would like to express my full support for the Viva Palestina convoy which leaves in December. The ongoing siege of Gaza is a crime against humanity, as was the Israeli attack last year. British support for the relief efforts is a contribution to the solution of a human problem. I wish the convoy all success.
Tony Benn (human rights campaigner and former Labour MP)
We welcome the Viva Palestina convoy and its initiative that will bring assistance to Gaza that is so desperately needed. We call on Israel to lift the siege and allow the people of Gaza to be able to get on with rebuilding their homes, schools, hospitals and lives.
Corin Redgrave and Kika Markham (actors)
Best of luck to the convoy and its important work. The world must not be allowed to forget last year's horrific massacre of the innocents in Gaza, and anything which continues to put pressure on Israel and helps relieve the continuing suffering of the Palestinians of Gaza should be supported
William Dalrymple (author)
I warmly congratulate those with the determination and courage to take this convoy to Gaza. It is a disgrace that such a trip is needed. The ongoing blockade, ignored by so many who ought to speak out, is a scandal. The war on Gaza is not over-- it continues every day in the suffering still imposed on those who live in Gaza. There will be no peace in the Middle East until there is justice for its Palestinian people.
Bruce Kent (Vice-President, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament)
Gaza is truly under siege and the people are suffering dreadfully. Israel is tightening its grip, supported by the USA, the EU and disgracefully, our own country. We must help the people of Gaza in every way we can.
Baroness Jenny Tonge
The Israeli aggression and barbarity against the Palestinians in Gaza must end. Good luck to all of those involved in breaking the siege.
Mark Thomas (comedian and political activist)
I would like to lend my full support to the convoy. It is imperative to get aid to Gaza and to stand together as a nation to force an end this inhumane siege.
Maxine Peake (actor)
I would like to express my strong support for this convoy and the essential relief that it will bring. Following the criminal assault a year ago, Israel has deliberately created in Gaza a ghetto of deprivation and misery. This convoy will do something to alleviate physical suffering but it will also do much to mobilise the international conscience. I wish you every good fortune.
Bob Marshall-Andrews MP (Labour, Medway)
I support the Viva Palestina convoy to Gaza. While our government and the government of the United States does nothing to reign in Israel's cruel and illegal siege it is up to ordinary people to do what they can and to bear witness to this monstrous barbarism.
Alexei Sayle (actor, comedian and author)
The convoy has my whole-hearted support and I hope dearly that it may spread a little joy and happiness, or at the very least a little relief to the Palestinian people in what are sadly desperate and desolate times for them still. I pray that the new year may bring a new spirit of understanding and co-operation from the Israelis and that the siege of Gaza will be broken.
Poppy Burton-Morgan (Artistic Director and Founder of Metta Theatre Company)
Best wishes and safe journey to the Gaza convoy, who are not only taking supplies to the people of Gaza but letting them know that a lot of people are thinking of them and urging Israel to end this oppressive blockade.
Caryl Churchill (Playwright)
Following the death and destruction of the Israeli attack on Gazacomes the targeted cruelty of the blockade - the intolerable suffering of innocent men, women and children is paralleled by the poison in the hearts and minds of the perpetrators. Good fortune to the Viva Palestina convoy both for the aid and support that it brings and the witness it bears to the world.
John Williams (Guitarist)