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Biggest Gaza convoy leaves London

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London, Sept 18, IRNA – The largest land convoy yet carrying basic humanitarian aid for Gaza left London Saturday in the latest attempt to break Israel’s three year siege.
The convoy, co-ordinated by Viva Palestina, is expected to take around 23 days to drive nearly 3,000 miles to Gaza. It will be joined en-route by convoys from Europe, Turkey and Jordan and be met in Syria by convoys from Kuwait and Morocco.

The humanitarian initiative comes after Israeli masked commanders attacked the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters in May, killing nine activists aboard the lead boat, Mavi Marmara.

“The massacre brought a sea change in international opinion against the inhumane siege on the people of Gaza. Far from deterring people from seeking to bring that siege to an end, the Israeli assault is spurring on even more people to end the blockade,” a Viva Palestina spokesman said.

Two survivors of the Mavi Marmara massacre, Nicci Enchmarch and Kevin Ovenden, are among volunteers taking part in the latest convoy, the spokesman told IRNA.

The two are leading the Viva Palestina Lifeline 5 land convoy of more than 200 vehicles carrying medical supplies, educational aid and materials to build a maternity facility in northern Gaza as well as a mosque and a school for orphans.
Islamic Republic News Agency
 
An Iranian news paper says this? Honestly, it's wrong to protest the blockade by trying to break it. It shows they care more about making a statement than bringing aid to Gazans. What is so wrong with the aid bring brought to Israel and Egypt for inspection? Especially considering that Hamas recently attacked civilian Israelis and is a territory that rejects peace.
 
digsbe said:
What is so wrong with the aid bring brought to Israel and Egypt for inspection?

"But note that Cameron did not call Gaza a ‘death camp,’ only a big outdoor prison. And that it surely is, since it is not allowed by Israel to export its goods and even after a supposed ‘easing’ of import restrictions by the government of Binyamin Netanyahu, only a fourth as many goods are allowed in today as came in in 2006. One Israeli official said that the Gazans were to be put on a diet.

That is why the Israeli response to Cameron, that the blockade of Gaza is the fault of Hamas, the fundamentalist party that came to power in the 2006 elections, is absurd. What is going on is that Israeli officials are half-starving Gaza children as a political move, to turn Palestinians away from Hamas and to weaken the party. But you cannot blockade civilian populations for political purposes in international law. That is a war crime, and contrary to Israeli assertions, it would be illegal for any other country to cooperate with such a blockade primarily targeting civilians, including of children. If the blockade were solely for military purposes, then why did the Israelis have such a long list of goods that could not be brought in, including chocolate? No, the policy is punitive, not for security, and Cameron is correct in his diction."
Cameron Calls Gaza under Israel Blockade a ‘Prison Camp’ | Informed Comment
 
"But note that Cameron did not call Gaza a ‘death camp,’ only a big outdoor prison. And that it surely is, since it is not allowed by Israel to export its goods and even after a supposed ‘easing’ of import restrictions by the government of Binyamin Netanyahu, only a fourth as many goods are allowed in today as came in in 2006. One Israeli official said that the Gazans were to be put on a diet.
Can you prove this? And what does it matter what Cameron calls it? Gaza is neither a death camp or an an outdoor prison. It's a territory that is ruled by Hamas who actively attacks and seeks the destruction of ISrael.
That is why the Israeli response to Cameron, that the blockade of Gaza is the fault of Hamas, the fundamentalist party that came to power in the 2006 elections, is absurd. What is going on is that Israeli officials are half-starving Gaza children as a political move, to turn Palestinians away from Hamas and to weaken the party. But you cannot blockade civilian populations for political purposes in international law. That is a war crime, and contrary to Israeli assertions, it would be illegal for any other country to cooperate with such a blockade primarily targeting civilians, including of children. If the blockade were solely for military purposes, then why did the Israelis have such a long list of goods that could not be brought in, including chocolate? No, the policy is punitive, not for security, and Cameron is correct in his diction."
Cameron Calls Gaza under Israel Blockade a ‘Prison Camp’ | Informed Comment
No, what is going on is Hamas smuggling weapons into Gaza and using them against Israel. The news recently showed Hamas launching phosphorous weapons into civilian Israel. Hamas rejects peace, their goal is to destroy Israel and take the entire region for themselves. The blockade was established for the national security of Israel. They need to prevent weapons and harmful items from being smuggled into Gaza. What is a war crime is the hundreds of missiles Hamas has fired into Israel and the recent abuse of phosphorous.
 
London, Sept 18, IRNA – The largest land convoy yet carrying basic humanitarian aid for Gaza left London Saturday in the latest attempt to break Israel’s three year siege.

Islamic Republic News Agency

What is surprising me is that this is not reported on any of our major news outlets. Even Viva Palestinian website does not have news of the actual departure though is certainly was due yesterday.

However getting more information from Viva Palestina website this does indeed seem a massive operation and is intended to end with three road convoys meeting in Egypt at the same time as a flotilla arriving. Have a listen to the video on this page.

Viva Palestina - a lifeline from Britain to Gaza
 
What is surprising me is that this is not reported on any of our major news outlets. Even Viva Palestinian website does not have news of the actual departure though is certainly was due yesterday.

However getting more information from Viva Palestina website this does indeed seem a massive operation and is intended to end with three road convoys meeting in Egypt at the same time as a flotilla arriving. Have a listen to the video on this page.

Viva Palestina - a lifeline from Britain to Gaza

I think I will decline your kind offer to visit the website of a terrorist support group that meets regularly with Hamas and supports them financially.

But thanks for the invitation.
 
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An Iranian news paper says this? Honestly, it's wrong to protest the blockade by trying to break it. It shows they care more about making a statement than bringing aid to Gazans. What is so wrong with the aid bring brought to Israel and Egypt for inspection? Especially considering that Hamas recently attacked civilian Israelis and is a territory that rejects peace.

Actually it is a great idea. The flotilla incident focused the world's attention on the illegal blockade, there have been quite a lot of pressure to lift it. It was a success. They're just trying to do it again.
 
What is surprising me is that this is not reported on any of our major news outlets. Even Viva Palestinian website does not have news of the actual departure though is certainly was due yesterday.

However getting more information from Viva Palestina website this does indeed seem a massive operation and is intended to end with three road convoys meeting in Egypt at the same time as a flotilla arriving. Have a listen to the video on this page.

Viva Palestina - a lifeline from Britain to Gaza

You're once more referring to an anti-Israeli hate site as a source for information.
I'm somehow not surprised anymore.
 
Actually it is a great idea. The flotilla incident focused the world's attention on the illegal blockade, there have been quite a lot of pressure to lift it. It was a success. They're just trying to do it again.

I understand the pro-terror mantra that dead people persumed innocent = better propaganda = good thing, but what kind of political acheivement are they expecting to gain by doing that?
The blockade after all is no longer a general blockade, it is a military blockade, and it couldn't get more legitimate than that.
 
You're once more referring to an anti-Israeli hate site as a source for information.
I'm somehow not surprised anymore.

Oh for God sakes Apocalypse. These are the people arranging it.
 
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I dont think these convoy's will illicit a greater response then what the Mavi Mamara achieved in terms of Israel's policies. I WAS against the blockade, but after the Mavi Mamara when Israel loosened the terms of the blockade, i am now for it.

It is a much more reasonable blockade (even though some people here supported the blockade BEFORE mavi marmara).
One cannot POSSIBLY expect Israel to allow Hamas to continue on its activities unscathed.
 
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Once cannot POSSIBLY expect Israel to allow Hamas to continue on its activities unscathed.

Exactly.
We don't get to hear such statements so much around here anymore.
 
I think I will decline your kind offer to visit the website of a terrorist support group that meets regularly with Hamas and supports them financially.

But thanks for the invitation.

Arrant nonsense. They are a registered UK charity.
 
I dont think these convoy's will illicit a greater response then what the Mavi Mamara achieved in terms of Israel's policies. I WAS against the blockade, but after the Mavi Mamara when Israel loosened the terms of the blockade, i am now for it. ...

"Among the goods still banned is all construction materials, farming supplies, certain medical supplies, and motor vehicles and spare parts.

Last weekend, Chris Patten and Catherine Ashton visited Gaza as part of a EU delegation to the region. Both Chris and Catherine slammed the partial easing of the siege, and called for the siege to be lifted immediatley, and for all the borders to open up as a matter of urgency. Chris stated that many of the health problems suffered by residents of the sector were caused by the embargo, which prohibits the entry of medical supplies and prevents patients with certain conditions from travelling to receive medical treatment... "

Viva Palestina - a lifeline from Britain to Gaza
 
"Among the goods still banned is all construction materials, farming supplies, certain medical supplies, and motor vehicles and spare parts.

Last weekend, Chris Patten and Catherine Ashton visited Gaza as part of a EU delegation to the region. Both Chris and Catherine slammed the partial easing of the siege, and called for the siege to be lifted immediatley, and for all the borders to open up as a matter of urgency. Chris stated that many of the health problems suffered by residents of the sector were caused by the embargo, which prohibits the entry of medical supplies and prevents patients with certain conditions from travelling to receive medical treatment... "

Viva Palestina - a lifeline from Britain to Gaza

Isreal allows most of the 'items' you've listed through the use of UN or PA projects.
"Construction materials" are what Hamas uses to create Rockets (cement), and hence it is banned from the reach of Hamas, not from the reach of the UN and the PA agencies in Gaza.
 
Also about Skipper's comment, Gazans with medical problems are indeed allowed to exit the strip and be escorted to Israeli hospitals for treatment.
Besides that, all kind of medicines are indeed allowed into the strip.

Here's a BBC page covering it all:

BBC News - Guide: Eased Gaza blockade

BBC said:
Currently, only certain groups of Gazans are being allowed in out of the strip via the Rafah border crossing:

* students attending courses abroad

* people requiring medical treatment

* Gazans with foreign passports or the right to residency abroad.
 
"Among the goods still banned is all construction materials, farming supplies, certain medical supplies, and motor vehicles and spare parts.

Last weekend, Chris Patten and Catherine Ashton visited Gaza as part of a EU delegation to the region. Both Chris and Catherine slammed the partial easing of the siege, and called for the siege to be lifted immediatley, and for all the borders to open up as a matter of urgency. Chris stated that many of the health problems suffered by residents of the sector were caused by the embargo, which prohibits the entry of medical supplies and prevents patients with certain conditions from travelling to receive medical treatment... "

Viva Palestina - a lifeline from Britain to Gaza

Building Materials are given to Gaza through UN projects. Equipment like cement are constricted because Hamas uses them to create missile launch pads and bunkers. So if there IS a shortage of cement, its because Hamas has taken what the Gaza public DOES have and uses it for there own military gains.
 
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Actually it is a great idea. The flotilla incident focused the world's attention on the illegal blockade, there have been quite a lot of pressure to lift it. It was a success. They're just trying to do it again.
Yes, it was a success because they just wanted to feed the (already too big) demonization of Israel.

Tell me, which brain-equipped people would ATTACK some soldiers with sticks and knifes without a reason?
If their purpose was indeed to help the Gazans, why didn't they accepted to moor at Ashdod and go ahead by the already existing channel for humanitarians aids?

IMHO They are just a bunch of terrorist who don't give a damn about palestinians.
 
I think some people really need to get some better understanding of economics. A thriving sea port is a boon to any economy and denying access by sea achieves that easily. Also, disallowing any exports, shooting at farmers or fishermen who are in Gazan territory, and refusing nearly all movement outside Gaza does a great deal to strangle their economy.
 
I think some people really need to get some better understanding of economics. A thriving sea port is a boon to any economy and denying access by sea achieves that easily. Also, disallowing any exports, shooting at farmers or fishermen who are in Gazan territory, and refusing nearly all movement outside Gaza does a great deal to strangle their economy.

I agree it is still an economic blockade and without employment how will people be able to buy any new items which come in. One of the most essential things is to get people gainfully employed and also to get them able to socialise with others. Finally I particularly agree the shooting of fishermen and the destruction of their vessels by Israelis while they are within the 5 miles or whatever that Israel allows must stop. Of course they also need to be able to use the 20 miles they are entitled to in order that they shall not over fish one section.

Edit: There is a big flotilla coming from the US intending on meeting up with others - I don't know if it is part of this one, but it intends on trying to get exports from Gaza.
 
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I understand the pro-terror mantra that dead people persumed innocent = better propaganda = good thing, but what kind of political acheivement are they expecting to gain by doing that?

That's not pro-terror, that's just looking at the result of the convoy. The aim was to create an incident and to focus the attention on the blockade. Like it or not, it has succeeded, and after the incident there have been international pressure to lift the blockade.


The blockade after all is no longer a general blockade, it is a military blockade, and it couldn't get more legitimate than that.

Then why do they ban some kinds of food and why do they limit/forbid exportations from Gaza?
 
That's not pro-terror, that's just looking at the result of the convoy. The aim was to create an incident and to focus the attention on the blockade. Like it or not, it has succeeded, and after the incident there have been international pressure to lift the blockade.

It's really amazing how you have no problem at all to admit that they were deliberately 'creating an incident' for the sake of propaganda.
Even more amazing that you have no problem to support such attitudes.

Then why do they ban some kinds of food and why do they limit/forbid exportations from Gaza?

What foods do they ban?
And what do Gazans export anyway?
 
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