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Despite clashes with Egyptian riot police, the Viva Palestina aid convoy – including volunteers and trucks from Bristol – have reached Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies to the besieged population.
Flowers were thrown on the windscreens of the 200-strong convoy, which left the UK on December 5, as the vehicles finally entered the Palestinian territory.
Waiting: The Viva Palestina convoy at the port of Al-Arish
The head of the Bristol-Gaza-Link Association spoke of her relief that the convoy’s goal had been reached and the fears for the volunteers during clashes last night with Egyptian authorities.
“We’re all so relieved! People in Bristol have been raising funds and collecting aid for months throughout the autumn,” said Hasina Khan.
“I don’t think we quite knew what we were taking on, or quite how difficult it was going to be. We’ve felt the success of our convoy, and even the safety of our friends, have hung in the balance many times. I can’t describe the joy and happiness of knowing they’ve finally made it to Gaza!”
The Bristol contingent left on Friday, December 4, with MPs and councillors, including leader of the City Council Barbara Janke, gathering for a rally in the centre for the send-off.
Showdown: Egyptian riot police line up towards the convoy
The contingent included a 44-ton truck painted with Banksy-style murals of Bristol & Gaza on one side, and Wallace & Gromit on the other. The group also included four vans and mini-buses and a team of nine specialists.
They joined the main UK Viva Palestina convoy in London on December 5 and set off on their 4,000-mile trip across Europe and the Middle East to Gaza.
The convoy had to retrace its route over four hundred miles to Syria where it then travelled to the Mediterranean port of El Arish on the Egyptian coast – shadowed by two Israeli warships.
Arguments broke out there over extortionate landing-fees, visas, and permission for all personnel and vehicles to enter Gaza – leading to the convoy being attacked by Egyptian riot police.
Battle scarred: Up to 35 people were hurt in clashes, including the convoy member
Several arrests were made with reports of one death, 35 injuries and damage to some of the vehicles. The Bristol truck played a central role blocking one of the entrances to the compound to protect other convoy members.
The whole convoy, led by former MP George Galloway, will be given 48 hours inside Gaza to deliver and distribute the medical aid to local charity organisations.
Speaking to Al-Jazeera, Mr Galloway said the group was not only bringing in aid, but to show the world the conditions the people of Gaza have to live in.
“We are bringing aid in and this is the largest convoy we have been able to bring. But it is a drop in the ocean so long as the siege continues,” Mr Galloway said.
“We are trying to show the world there is a siege here, and anyone who has seen what has happened today can see there is a siege going on here.”
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