IPSC urge Government to ensure safe passage of Gaza humanitarian aid convoy

international | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Tuesday September 28, 2010 10:30

by Media Team - IPSC

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) are calling on the Irish government to put pressure on the Egyptian authorities to ensure that the Viva Palestina convoy be allowed to enter Gaza with their aid unhindered and to ensure the safety of Irish citizens taking part. The call comes as Irish members of the convoy are being told that Egypt intends to prevent them from entering the besieged Gaza Strip.

Tipp to Gaza crew before leaving Ireland

The convoy is one of many similar international efforts currently under way to breach the blockade and bring much needed humanitarian aid including medical supplies to the Gazan people. On Sunday (September 26) the 'Jewish boat to Gaza, carrying jewish activists from Israel, the United States and Europe, set sail from Cyprus in another attempt to break the illegal siege.

Amongst those on the Viva Palestina Convoy are a number of Irish citizens, including Jimmy Nolan and Joe Gilmartin from County Tipperary who are members of Tipp to Gaza. They are driving an ambulance filled with humanitarian aid which they are to deliver to the people of Gaza. Other Irish citizens taking part in the convoy include activists from Counties Antrim and Tyrone. The convoy, which departed from Ireland and Britain earlier this month is currently in Greece.

IPSC National Chairperson Freda Hughes said: “One and a half million Palestinians in Gaza continue to live under an illegal barbaric siege imposed by Israel in violation of International law. The humanitarian crisis remains as bad as ever with basic essentials including food, water and medical equipment continuing to be prevented from being brought into Gaza in adequate quantities.”

Ms Hughes added: “The Irish government has condemned the blockade, with Foreign Minister Micheál Martin describing it as "inhumane" and "completely unacceptable" as well as making clear that the siege constitutes "collective punishment and is illegal under international humanitarian law." In light of this and the information the IPSC are now getting from Irish members of the Viva Palestina convoy that the Egyptian authorities are planning to refuse them entry into Gaza through Egypt, the Irish government must intervene and do so quickly.”

Ms Hughes concluded: “Any attempt by Egypt to prevent or delay the convoy getting through is unacceptable. The Irish government must now move swiftly to ensure that Egypt allows the convoy enter Gaza through Egypt unhindered with their humanitarian aid. An Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Minister Martin must also send a clear uncompromising message to the Egyptian authorities that they must ensure the safety of all the activists, including the Irish citizens participating, and that they will be held responsible if they fail to do so.”

Belfast to Gaza crew before leaving Ireland