Some of the 14 Algerian convoy vehicles that are currently stranded at the Egypt/Gaza border [Photo supplied]
Report based on posts by Middle East Monitor and Daily Sabah (20 August 2017) and Kia Ora Gaza correspondents
Egypt prevents 14 truck Algerian aid convoy from entering Gaza. Convoyers refuse to turn back, and are staging a hunger strike at Rafah border
Egyptian authorities have prevented an Algerian humanitarian aid convoy from entering the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Crossing.
The 14-truck convoy carrying huge containers of mainly medical aid worth over $US3 million, has been organised by the Algerian Scholars Association.
“Egypt’s decision to block the entry of the aid convoy is very unfortunate and does not reflect the positive spirit that has recently characterized Gaza-Egypt relations,” the National Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza said in a press statement.
According to Palestinian and Algerian sources, the convoy was denied entry despite having all the required credentials and documents.
Both sources said that the convoy was carrying medicines, medical disposals, electricity generators and other equipment urgently needed for Gaza’s hospitals.
Last Tuesday, Sheikh Yahya Sari, head of the relief department of the Algerian Scholars Association, announced the launch of the convoy. He noted that it included 14 truckloads of aid and five members from the association’s relief department.
Sari said that they obtained all the documents and Egypt’s agreement to deliver the aid to the Gaza Strip.
Algerian reports say that the convoyers have refused to move the trucks from the Rafah border and have been staging a protest hunger strike.
The Algerian Scholars Association has called on the President of the Republic to mediate with the Egyptian authorities in order to allow the convoy to pass through the Rafah crossing to deliver their aid to Gaza. The convoyers are concerned that some of the medicines will deteriorate in the heat.
The row of Algerian convoy trucks parked up at the Rafah border gates [Photo supplied].
The convoy truckers’ message to Egypt: “We enter Gaza or we go on hunger strike”
The Egyptian authorities opened the crossing from Monday to Thursday last week on both sides for the exit of the pilgrims and patients seeking treatment abroad.
The Rafah Crossing, which is the main Gaza opening to the world, has been completely closed since July 2013. On a few rare occasions it was opened for a couple of days to allow hundreds of stranded Gazans travel in and out. Prior to last week’s opening for pilgrims, the last time it briefly opened was five months ago.
Egyptian security forces stand guard at the border as Palestinian Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip, on August 14, 2017. [Photo: AFP]
