NZ Flotilla crew return to place of tragedy

  • Breaking
  • 18/10/2010

Six New Zealand humanitarian workers will today take to the same Mediterranean waters where nine people were killed by Israeli soldiers as their flotilla attempted to break the Gaza blockade in May.

An international aid convoy of about 400 people and 150 trucks carrying medical and other supplies has travelled in three groups from England, North Africa and the Arab East and linked up in Syria. The convoy will today be loaded onto ships on the Mediterranean.

The New Zealand contingent, Kia Ora Gaza, includes Nicci Enchmarch, who was on board the Turkish flotilla ship Mavi Marmara during May's fatal boarding.

Their destination is Egypt's port of Al-Arish, 19km from the Rafah Gate, the only land entrance to Gaza not under the control of Israel.

Kia Ora Gaza co-organiser Grant Morgan said it took a tense battle of wills before they were granted safe passage across Egypt and into Gaza.

"This is a history-making convoy because Egypt's back door to Gaza has been well and truly pushed open by the convoy's huge size, sheer determination and international support."

At the last minute, Cairo blacklisted 17 convoy members from entering Egypt, including former British MP George Galloway, the founder of Viva Palestina which organised the month-long journey.

Israel imposed a blockade three years ago after the militant Hamas group seized control of Gaza, but after the heavy international criticism over the bloodshed of the Mavi Marmara incident, it eased its land blockade to allow virtually most consumer goods into Gaza, while maintaining its naval blockade.

NZPA

source: newshub archive