(http://www.vivapalestina.org/images/hurson/Gaza%20on%20the%20road%20007-425.jpg)
Sunrise in Libya.
Well folks, following the success of the last "Viva Palestina" convoy of aid to Gaza, another one in making it's way
to Gaza as we speak. It left London 2 weeks ago, and is currently at the Turkey/Syria border.
I will be flying out to Jordan on Tuesday in order to meet up with them, and travel through Jordan and Egypt,
and on December 27th, we hope to cross through the Rafah Border into Gaza.
December 27th marks the 1st anniversary of the attacks, and over 400 people in 250 vehicles will attempt
to mark this date by delivering humanitarian aid to the stricken region. The aid I brought earlier this year remains
the only Irish aid to have reached Gaza this year. Containers from Cork and Galway have been refued entry,
2 seperate boats with Irish aid have been denied. One was rammed, and the other diverted to Israel and all
21 people on board arrested and deported. Politicians, Michael Martin and Proinsias De Rosa have been refused.
Plus, 4 Irish men cycled to Gaza, and yes, you guessed it, they were refused.
This folks is totally unacceptable. People still live in tents and in the ruins of their old homes, aid lies piled
up on the borders of Egypt and Israel. Recently, 200,000 tonnes of food was dumped in the Siani desert.
What we will be carrying is only a sticky plaster in relation to what's really needed, however, our actions will
highlight the current situation, and let the people in Gaza know that they are not forgotten, one year on.
There is an ambulance from Derry with 5 volunteers, and 2 people in one from Cork. From Tyrone, David Callander
is in a truck carrying 10 tonne of aid. On Davids truck, I have GAA goalposts, footballs, dvd's, books, and training
equipment for the 1st Gaza GAA Club that I am establishing. I have Peter Canavan, and Professor Noam Chomsky
as Honouray Presidents. This folks, is some combination, as Noam wouldn't be too well known in Gaelic circles!
Peter has donated a full set of jerseys from his school, Holy Trinity College, Cookstown. We are very lucky indeed
to have his support on this project. Hopefully he will be playing a game there in the not to distant future.
(Que smart ass remarks from the board...........)
So, this Christmas, take a moment and think of the people in Gaza, who are still trying to deal with the incredible loss
they suffered a year ago. Keep them in your thoughts during the anniversary of the attacks, and in small way,
this will let them know that they are not forgotten.
Tyrone To Gaza
John Hurson
Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541019313#/group.php?gid=238347355199
(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs088.snc3/15533_233606969313_)
The "Ireland To Gaza" team in Turkey.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/4199362197_237a2d942b.jpg)
Entering Gaza through the Rafah Border.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/4200115316_94fb2a98f9.jpg)
Peter Canavan presenting me with a set of Holy Trinity jeresys.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4199359719_f32edf4e0a.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/4200112962_18b5130a1a.jpg)
The new Dublin team line out in Gaza.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4199355613_139b97cc35.jpg)
A Hardstation Antrim select, play a Tony Ferron all star Armagh team. Guess the score....
Some great pictures there. Keep up the good work!
Quote from: give her dixie on December 20, 2009, 01:14:10 PM
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4199355613_139b97cc35.jpg)
A Hardstation Antrim select, play a Tony Ferron all star Armagh team. Guess the score....
Really does sum it all up that.
Incredible story.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4199893561_0eb72201e5.jpg)
Ready for the throw in
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2737/4199893427_b57243f271.jpg)
Armagh reveal Mc Kenna Cup squad
great pics John
John, you are some man and i have the utmost respect for what you are doing, fair play!!
keep safe and we hope you make it again this time!!!!
I am now in Aqaba, Jordan with the "Viva Palestina Convoy". Tonight, 2009 years after Joseph and Mary were refused a room at the Inn, over 400 people, from 17 different countries in 250 vehicles loaded with Humanitarian Aid, have been refused entry into Gaza.
In the birth place of Jesus, the Egyptian authorities, under Israeli orders, have denied the starving people of Gaza, food, water, medicine, blankets, electricity, clothes, human rights and dignity.
So, today, when you are tucking into your massive dinner, followed by deserts, and washed down with the finest wines, please spare a thought for the forgotten stricken people of Gaza who have nothing.
Israel and Egypt must be very proud of themselves, for their total disregard of humanity. The world might have forgotten them, but we havn't. If they do not let us deliver this humanitarian aid, then they must be prepared for the backlash that is comming their way from all over the world.
Stay tuned, and have a Happy Christmas. The people in Gaza will not have the same luxury.
John Hurson, in the Holy Lands.
f**k them!
hopefully their shortsightedness will be their shortcomings. Surely by letting what can only be described as a sticky plaster of aid(by no means any offence caused), they will attract attention and continue to raise bad publicity and public outrage, eventually turning the tables before the palestinean state becomes extinct. May the day come when the corrupt governments of the states and the uk be held accountable for their coverups to appease the zionist c***ts.
Happy Christmas John, hopefully all isn't lost and may you have a safe return home.
viva palestina
Very interesting Dixie, I looked at the facebook page you linked to and added it to my page and will continue to follow it. Fair play to you and the rest involved, it must be hard being away from home at this time of year but its great what ye are doing. Happy Christmas, keep up the good work and dont give up!
You're doing mighty work John but stop putting Armagh jerseys on those kids. They have suffered enough :o
Your making me feel guilty, laying full as a frog in front of the telly.
Quote from: hairyhog on December 25, 2009, 02:26:21 AM
f**k them!
hopefully their shortsightedness will be their shortcomings. Surely by letting what can only be described as a sticky plaster of aid(by no means any offence caused), they will attract attention and continue to raise bad publicity and public outrage, eventually turning the tables before the palestinean state becomes extinct. May the day come when the corrupt governments of the states and the uk be held accountable for their coverups to appease the zionist c***ts.
Happy Christmas John, hopefully all isn't lost and may you have a safe return home.
viva palestina
Good work again John. The world needs more people like you.
I fear the backlash from the rest of the world is a long way away unfortunately and until public opinion in the USA gets really pissed off then Israel and the wests "friendly" dictators of Egypt will continue to act this way. I can only ask that people out there do their bit to boycott Israeli and Egyptian goods, hit them in their pocket is all we can do and pass the word.
Well folks, as you awake today from your Christmas hangover, over 500 people from 20 countries, in 250 vehicles loaded with Humanitarian Aid, are left stranded in Aqaba, Jordan, having been refused permission to enter Egypt.
The Egyptians have placed 3 conditions on the convoy if it wants to enter Egypt.
1. We hand all our vehicles and aid over to UNRA.
2. We drive 500 miles back to Syria, and take a 24 hour ferry through the Suez Canal.
3. We have to ask Israel for permission to cross from Egypt to Gaza.
All 3 conditions have been flatly rejected by everyone on the convoy, as we want to cross into Gaza and hand our aid over to the Palestinians ourselves.
Would you phone Canada to ask permission to enter the US? Would you ask France for permission to go to Germany? For the 1st time, Egypt have now openly admitted that they are under control of Israel/US.
This has been the lead story on Al Jazeera for the past 24 hours, and there are media teams from all over the Arab world here in Aqaba following this story. Needless to say, everyone watching is totally outraged by Egypt's complicity with Israel/US in denying this convoy of aid to reach Gaza.
Yesterday, Christmas Day, I dressed up as Santa to lighten the mood, and everyones sprirts lifted.
Al Jazeera interviewed Santa, who explained that the children in Gaza were the only ones in the whole world who didn't recieve any presents. Santa explained that while flying through the air on his sleigh with the reindeers, he was stopped and refused entry. Santa was upset as this was the only place in the world he could not visit. I will post the clip whenever I get it from Al Jazeera.
Tomorrow marks the 1st anniversary of the start of the 22 day massacre of over 1,400 people. In solidarity, we are all going to embark on a fast. We will all fast for as long as it takes for us to get into Gaza with our aid.
We are calling on people all over the world to fast with us, and with the Palestinians, who fast every day due to the illegal siege imposed upon them by Israel/US/Egypt.
It's time to take a stand and say "Enough Is Enough". This siege has got to stop, for the sake of humanity.
I am calling on ALL the members of the "gaaboard" to call the Egyptian Embassy and demand that we be allowed to enter Gaza, and deliver our aid.
The contact details for the Egyptian Embassy in Dublin are: +353-1-6606718 / +353-1-6606566 / consular@embegyptireland.ie
The contact details for the Egyptian Embassy in London are: 0044-20-7499-3304 / eg.emb_london@mfa.gov.eg"
Pleaase post a short note after contacting them.
Please contact them, and express your outrage at their refusal to allow Humanitarian Aid into Gaza, and to let them know that you will never travel to Egypt again, as long as they are the lap dogs for Israel/US.
John Hurson
Stranded in Aqaba, Jordan
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4214908915_08f3c9c086.jpg)
Santa in Aqaba on Christmas Day, after been denied entry to deliver presents to children in Gaza
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4214901727_5a87d202ce.jpg)
George Galloway addresses the convoy members on Christmas Day in Aqaba, Jordan
Dixie - Just sent them an email. I hope everyone else will do so too.
Through work I would have a lot of dealings with Qatar (obviously an Arab country) and most of the top non Qatari jobs seem to be given to Egyptians.
I had therefore always assumed that Egypt was a very Arab friendly country.
But I guess I was wrong.
Folks, the time for talking is over, and it's time to take action.
Please pass this press release onto everyone you know, and ask them for their support.
John Hurson
International Hunger Strike Press Release
Sunday December 27th marks the anniversary of the attack on Gaza by Israel, which left over 1,400 people dead, and over 5,000 injured in 22 days.
At 11 35 am, the time of the first attack, a group of humanitarians on the "Viva Palestina Convoy" will embark on an International Hunger Strike in the main square in Aqaba, Jordan.
The International Hunger Strike will aim to highlight the ongoing illegal siege imposed on Gaza, and to remember the victims of the attacks who died during the 22 day bombardment by Israel.
This International Hunger Strike will also highlight the refusal by Egypt, under Israeli pressure, to allow the humanitarian aid to reach the people in Gaza.
The convoy has been stranded in the city for 3 days now, having been refused permission to enter Egypt on their way to Gaza. There are 500 people from no less than 20 different countries in 250 vehicles loaded with charitable humanitarian aid. The convoy is been led by leading international politician George Galloway, having left London on December 6th.
Embarking on the International Hunger Strike are 15 people from different continents across the world. Among those taking part are Fatima Mohammidi from the United States, John Hurson and Caoimhe Butterly from Ireland, Ahasan Shamruk from Palestine, Nidal Hajaj, Hanan Chehata and Mohammed Shakiel from England, plus Kamal Mashni from Australia among others.
Each day, 15 more people from the convoy will join in the International Hunger Strike, and they will go without food until the convoy is allowed to enter safely into Egypt, and through the Rafah border to Gaza.
Speaking from Aqaba, Ahasan Shamruk, said, "I am joining this Hunger Strike to draw attention to the fact that the siege is a form of collective, sustained, and devastating punishment of 1.5 million civilian people. As we commemorate the first year anniversary of the massacres, it is important to remember, that for my brothers and sisters living under siege in Gaza, the war has not ended."
John Hurson, from Tyrone, who travelled on the first "Viva Palestinan Convoy", decided to join the International Hunger Strike to draw attention to the fact that nothing has changed in the past year following the attacks.
John said, "from my time spent in Gaza, to think that in the year 2009, people are denied all the basic essentials in life, like water, electricity, medicine, blankets, books, and even footballs for the children, is just unbelievable and unacceptable.
"For Egypt to prevent this compassionate and charitable aid, donated by ordinary caring people from all over the world, unnnecessarily adds to the hardships currently endured on a daily basis, by the besieged and distressed people in Gaza.
I am hopeful that the leaders of the West will exert their influence, put pressure on Egypt, the United States, and Israel to end this inhuman blockade forced upon Gaza, and allow for the safe passage of this essential humanitarian aid. Enough is enough, this has to end now, for the sake of humanity."
good man john
Good man. Keep us posted. I have contacted a journalist mate at Sky news just now about this.
ON the first anniversary of the beginning of Israel's war on the Gaza Strip — in my view it was a demonstration of Israeli state terrorism at its most naked — it's not enough to say that the governments of the Western powers (and others) are complicit in Israel's ongoing collective punishment of 1.5 million Palestinians, 53 percent of whom are children.
What is actually happening in the blockaded Gaza Strip, and less obviously on the occupied West Bank, is the continuation by stealth of Zionism's ethnic cleansing of Palestine. Professor Ilan Pappe, Israel's leading "revisionist" (meaning honest) historian and author of "The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine", would and has put it another way. What we are witnessing is, in his words, "genocide in slow motion." And that, really, is what the governments of the Western powers (and others) are complicit in.
The question that provokes in my mind is: Why, really, are the major powers (and others) allowing it to happen?
The only answer that makes some sense to me is this. They have concluded, but cannot say, that nuclear-armed Israel, with the assistance of the Zionist lobby in all of its manifestations, is a monster beyond control.
In my analysis it's possible to identify the moment in history when the major powers abandoned any hope they might have had of containing Zionism's colonial ambitions. It came, the moment, in the immediate aftermath of the 1967 war.
Contrary to Zionism's version of the story, it was a war of Israeli aggression, not self-defense. Israel's military and political leaders knew the Arabs were not intending to attack.
That being so, what the major powers ought to have said to Israel (in the diplomatic language of a Security Council resolution and more explicitly behind closed doors) is something like: "Aggression cannot be rewarded. Aggressors cannot keep territory conquered in war. You are now required to get the hell out of it without laying down conditions for your withdrawal."
To drive home the point, they could and should have reminded Israel of what President Eisenhower said to the people of America when he demanded Israel's unconditional withdrawal from Egyptian territory after its collusion with Britain and France in 1956. Eisenhower, the first and the last American president to contain Zionism, said this:
"If we agree that armed attack can properly achieve the purposes of the assailant, then I fear we will have turned back the clock of international order. We will have countenanced the use of force as a means of settling international differences and gaining national advantage... If the UN once admits that international disputes can be settled using force, then we will have destroyed the very foundation of the organization and our best hope for establishing a real world order."
As it happened, the major powers could not say that to Israel in 1967 because the Johnson administration had colluded with Israel to the extent of giving it the green light to smash Egypt's armed forces, in the hope that a humiliating defeat for them would lead to the overthrow of President Gamal Abdel Nasser. But also true is that Johnson sought and obtained an assurance that Israel would not take advantage of the war situation to grab Jordanian and Syrian territory. It was because some in the Johnson administration (probably Defense Secretary McNamara and the joint chiefs of staff) didn't trust Israel to keep its word that the US spy ship, the Liberty, was stationed off the Israel/Gaza coast to listen to IDF movement orders. And it was because Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan didn't want Johnson to know that he intended to take the West Bank and the Golan Heights that he, Dayan, ordered the attack on the Liberty. (The full story of that attack and Johnson's cover-up of it is also in my book, in a chapter headed The Liberty Affair — "Pure Murder" on a "Great Day").
Despite that, the major powers, including and led by America, could still have acted firmly to contain Zionism's colonial ambitions. They could have said to Israel something like: "We can just about live with the fact that you will retain the newly occupied Arab territories as a bargaining chip, to be exchanged for peace with your Arab neighbors, but we will not allow you to settle those territories. Not one building. If you defy us on this matter, the Security Council will authorize enforcement action as necessary to oblige you to comply with international law."
In what became Security Council Resolution 242, it was the failure of the major powers to read the riot act to Israel on the matter of not settling the newly occupied territories that marks the moment when they, the major powers, became resigned to the fact that the Zionist state, assisted by its awesomely powerful global lobby, was a monster they could not control. (They could slap it on the wrist from time to time but not control it).
The lesson of the cold-blooded attack on the Liberty was that there is nothing the Zionist state might not do, to its friends as well as its enemies, in order to get its own way.The real reason for Israel's decision to acquire a nuclear arsenal was to have the deterrent threat capability of saying to its friends, "Don't push us further than we are prepared to go or we'll use these things.") So in the full light of the truth of history as it relates to the making and sustaining of conflict in and over Palestine that became Israel, it's not surprising that the major powers (and others) are today complicit, more by default than design I say, in Zionism's crimes.
Hope it works out for you and your comrades John. I have had no reply from the Egyptian embassy.
John - your hunger strike made the bbc news website
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8433010.stm
rte
http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1227/jordan.html
Irish Times
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/1228/1224261301601.html
Also a report in Israeli Haaretz
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1138228.html
I emailed TV3 and RTE about your convoy and the fact that 2 Irish citizens were on Hunger strike so hopefully they will report on it in more detail. All the best.
You are a true hero John, you have our support, i will do what i can to publizise your situation
A more prominent report from todays times..
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1229/1224261353114.html
Peace activists on hunger strike over Gaza aid blockade
JAMIE SMYTH
TWO IRISH peace campaigners have gone on hunger strike to protest against Egypt's refusal to allow a convoy of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, which remains under a strict Israeli blockade.
Caoimhe Butterly and John Hurson are both members of the Viva Palestina Convoy, which was supposed to deliver the aid last Sunday to mark the anniversary of last year's Israeli attack on Gaza.
Mr Hurson, who is from Tyrone, said he joined the hunger strike to draw attention to the fact that nothing had changed since the attack, which killed more than 1,400 people and injured 5,000.
"For Egypt to prevent this compassionate and charitable aid, donated by ordinary caring people from all over the world, unnecessarily adds to the hardships currently endured on a daily basis by the besieged and distressed people in Gaza," said Mr Hurson.
There are 500 people from 20 countries on the convoy, which contains 250 vehicles loaded with food, medical supplies and educational equipment for the people living in Gaza.
The convoy, which is being led by British MP George Galloway, has been stranded for four days in the city of Aqaba, Jordan, having been refused permission to enter Egypt on its way to Gaza.
Mr Hurson and Ms Butterly went on hunger strike on Sunday along with 13 others taking part in the aid convoy. A further 50 people on the convoy joined the hunger strike yesterday.
"We will stay on this hunger strike until the Egyptian authorities agree to allow us to enter Gaza," said Mr Hurson yesterday.
Kate O'Sullivan, a former student at UCC who is one of 12 Irish people on the aid convoy, said some medicine could be destroyed because of the severe heat unless it was delivered shortly. She appealed to Irish people to send e-mails and letters to the Egyptian embassy in Dublin urging them to allow the convoy to proceed.
"We need a huge show of support and protests to persuade the Egyptians to let the convoy continue," she added.
Meanwhile, the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign said yesterday that two members, Zoe Lawlor from Limerick and Hilary Minch from Dublin, were detained by the Egyptian authorities.
FOX NEWS- Apparently the hunger strike got great publicity around the world and has ended as the convoy has been told that it will get into Gaza.
Quote from: longrunsthefox on December 29, 2009, 06:23:48 PM
FOX NEWS- Apparently the hunger strike got great publicity around the world and has ended as the convoy has been told that it will get into Gaza.
I hope to God this is so.
Egypt is a disgrace, as are the Israeli's, yanks and everyone else who were complicit with the plight of these poor people.
Well folks, the good news to report is that we have come of the hunger strike. This morning, we got news that we would be allowed to cross into Egypt, via Syria.
That meant, we had to drive 500 miles back up to Damascus today, and hopefully we will cross tomorrow.
Instead of a 4 hour journey, we will have a 72 hour trip.
The behaviour of the Egyptians has been totally disgracefull, and un called for.
They should hang their heads in shame for their treatment of the Palestinians in Gaza.
In todays world, to deny humanitarian aid to those who need it boggles the mind.
We have no gaurantee on paper, and things could change at the last minute.
Will keep you posted as it develops.
John
Great news. Even if they are making it difficult for ye and ye have to make a 72 hour trip. Safe trip and keep us updated!
(http://www.vivapalestina.org/images/route3/map-bysea.jpg)
Map of our detour
Having arrived in Aqaba on December 24th, the "Viva Palestina Convoy" spent 5 days stranded
in the coastal port city waiting to cross into Egypt via ferry. By ferry and by road, we would have reached
the Rafah Border in 5 hours. However, the Egyptian Government insisted we all drive back up to Syria,
and cross from there to Al Arish in Egypt. This detour would take roughly 72 hours.
Yesterday morning, December 29th, we travelled over 500 kms to Damascus, where we stayed
last night. Currently, we are still in Damascus waiting for confirmation on the ferry crossing.
We are to take 3 ferries, 2 for our vehicles, and 1 for the passengers. As there are 500 people and
250 vehicles, chartering 3 boats is taking considerable time. The Turkish Government are co funding
the boats, as they have 65 vehicles on the convoy. In addition, the Malaysian Government are kindly
donating to these costs.
This impass is taking it's toll on the convoy members, as many have to return in the next few days
to return to work. However, the mood is good as everyone is dedicated to bringing their vehicles
and aid to Gaza. No one is surprised at the actions of the Egyptian Government, and we will all continue
to do whatever we can to ensure our vehicles and aid arrives safely in Gaza.
In the meantime, people can put pressure on the Egyptian Government by calling, e mailing,
and writting letters asking for them to allow our safe passage. Plus, please contact your local councillors,
M.P.'s, and MEP's and ask for their assistance in letting us cross safely.
1 year on from the bombardmentof Gaza by Israel, the region of Gaza have yet to recieve sufficient aid
needed to not only rebuild their homes, but also their fragile lives. Enough is enough, and for the sake of
humanity, the doors to Gaza need to open and let this aid in. The siege on Gaza is so tight, that not even
a mouse can get in or out at present.
Please contact the Egyptian Embassies in Dublin or in London via the following numbers or e mail:
The contact details for the Egyptian Embassy in Dublin are: +353 1 6606718 / +353-1-6606566
E mail: consular@embegyptireland.ie
The contact details for the Egyptian Embassy in London are: 0044-20-7499-3304
E mail: eg.emb_london@mfa.gov.eg"
As more news unfolds, I will keep you posted.
John Hurson
Waiting in Damascus......................
Good luck with the ferries John, angry email despatched.
Due to more red tape, we are to spend another night in Damascus.
Shame on Egypt.
Ambulance from Derry on the road from Aqaba to Damascus
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/4214948563_1415eb1853_m.jpg)
Below are some links to Press TV reports on the Viva Palestina Convoy.
Just click on the small blue video camera link above the photo to connect:
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=114754
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=114671
While I haven't made a previous contribution to this page, I only came on it late last night, I would urge anyone concerned about it to keep it at the top of the topics.
Well folks, the convoy has now moved towards the port city of Tarbus where all 250 vehicles will be loaded onto 3 boats for shipping to Al Arish.
The convoy members will either take a passenger ferry on Friday, or fly on Sunday.
It has been one major detour, however, as long as we reach Gaza with all our aid, it will have been worth it.
If I dont get the chance before midnight, Happy New Year To You All.
Raise a glass in honour of the people on the convoy, and most importantly, to the besieged people in Gaza.
Latest TV report from Press TV:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=115010
Click on the blue camera icon above picture.
John
Great work, John. Best of luck and be careful.
(On a lighter note - was George Galloway doing a Steve McLaren and putting on a Mid-East accent?)
I am hearing there will be an event in solidarity for John Hurson and all the convoy at the Bank Hotel, Dungannon on Saturday evening 5.30pm... 2nd January Speakers will be Former hunger striker and Trade Union activist Tommy McKearney, Patricia Campbell President of the Workers Union and Peter Canavan who is Honourary President of the Ireland (or Tyrone?) to Gaza campaign.
Micky Coleman will release an anti-war song in support of the people of Gaza called, 'Mother's Lullaby.'
All support welcome at this event. Keep 'er lit John!
My mate's family in Jordan have been watching events on Al Jazeera. There was a good article in today's West Australian about your efforts. It even showed a group of traditional Jewish leaders with Khafiya scarves holding Palestinian flags and anti-Zionist posters. Not sure where they were protesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwIX2Lh1UEo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwIX2Lh1UEo)
Quote from: longrunsthefox on December 31, 2009, 12:40:04 PM
I am hearing there will be an event in solidarity for John Hurson and all the convoy at the Bank Hotel, Dungannon on Saturday evening 5.30pm... 2nd January Speakers will be Former hunger striker and Trade Union activist Tommy McKearney, Patricia Campbell President of the Workers Union and Peter Canavan who is Honourary President of the Ireland (or Tyrone?) to Gaza campaign.
Micky Coleman will release an anti-war song in support of the people of Gaza called, 'Mother's Lullaby.'
All support welcome at this event. Keep 'er lit John!
Nothing like sectarianising the cause by asking a convicted murderer to speak, is there? ::)
I'm sure Stanley Adams' family would be delighted.
Edit: I should say, best of luck to John, I hope you're able to make it to Gaza :)
Theres always one. ::)
Well done John, you are a credit, not just to this board or Dungannon, but to your country. While most of us talk the talk, John Hurson walks the walk.
Well folks, the latest news to report to you today is that all our vehicles have been loaded onto a cargo ship, and are currently sailing to El Arish in Egypt. You can track the boats progress via the following link:
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/default.aspx?oldmmsi=271000751&zoom=7&olddate=1/3/2010%205:25:33%20AM#
Before sailing, the Israeli's informed us that they were carrying out "Military Operations" in international waters, and they streched "their Exclusion Zone" from 20kms to 45kms, adding 7 hours onto the boats journey.
However, we are determined that no obstacle will stand in our way in our attempts to reach Gaza and deliver this aid.
Enough is enough, and the Egyptians have been shown up this past 10 days to be the complete puppets with their strings been yanked by Israel/US Governments.
The story of the convoy, along with the story of the "Gaza Freedom Marchers" in Cairo has been the headline news all over the Arab world. Everyone is now aware of the reality of the situation in Gaza, the treatment of those who dare to help, and the role of Mubarak in blocking our progress. For the 1st time, Egypt have owned up to been controled by Israel/US.
Last night in Dungannon, a large crowd of supporters came out to show their support for the besieged people in Gaza, and for the efforts of the "Viva Palestina Convoy". They spoke over the phone to a doctor in Gaza who detailed the current situation in Gaza, and then they spoke with myself. It was an incredible show of support, and a massive thank you to all who attended. The plight of the Palestinians needs to be highlighted at every opportunity we get, as what's happening to them is one of the biggest crimes against humanity in the world today. When will the leader's of the west speak up and put an end to this misery?
Below is a press release I sent out last night, so if any of you have any contacts in the media, please forward it on. Plus, if any of you can spare 10 minutes, please write a letter to the main papers outlining your disgust at the role Egypt is playing in not only blocking aid, but enforcing the illegal siege imposed on Gaza for nearly 4 years now.
John Hurson
Tyrone To Gaza
Today, Saturday January 2nd, the 250 vehicles that make up the "Viva Palestina Convoy" were loaded onto a Turkish cargo ship in the port city of Latikia in Syria. The ship will set sail tonight for El Arish port in Egypt.
The crossing will take 26 hours, having had a futher 8 hours added to it's journey time by Israeli pressure. On Monday, over 500 members of the convoy will fly to El Arish and meet up with their vehicles.
A plane has been charted by Viva Palestina, the Turkish and Malaysian Governments, and it will make 3 trips in order to fly everyone to Egypt.
Having arrived in Aqaba, Jordan on December 24th, the convoy has faced numerous difficulties in the intervening time.
The humanitarian aid convoy could have crossed from Aqaba and reached the Rafah Border with Gaza in 5 hours. Now, 7 days and 600 miles later, they are still not over the line. The Egyptian Government has placed one obstacle after another on the convoy, however, as everyone is determined to deliver this aid to Gaza, they will do whatever it takes to reach their final destination.
The convoy has been on the road for 4 weeks now, having left London on December 6th. They have travelled through Europe, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and then back to Syria. Convoy members have travelled from 20 different countries, and from Ireland, 10 humanitarians in 3 vehicles form part of the large international delegation.
No one is sure how things will turn out once they reach Egypt, as the goalposts have been changing on a daily basis. It is essential that the Egyptian authorities allow for a safe and speedy passage, and that they get to deliver their humanitarian aid to Gaza without any futher delay.
They appeal to everyone to contact the Egyptian Embassy to ask for their help in delivering this aid without any futher delay.
Quote from: Tonto on January 03, 2010, 11:50:30 AM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on December 31, 2009, 12:40:04 PM
I am hearing there will be an event in solidarity for John Hurson and all the convoy at the Bank Hotel, Dungannon on Saturday evening 5.30pm... 2nd January Speakers will be Former hunger striker and Trade Union activist Tommy McKearney, Patricia Campbell President of the Workers Union and Peter Canavan who is Honourary President of the Ireland (or Tyrone?) to Gaza campaign.
Micky Coleman will release an anti-war song in support of the people of Gaza called, 'Mother's Lullaby.'
All support welcome at this event. Keep 'er lit John!
Nothing like sectarianising the cause by asking a convicted murderer to speak, is there? ::)
I'm sure Stanley Adams' family would be delighted.
Edit: I should say, best of luck to John, I hope you're able to make it to Gaza :)
Trash contribution.
Ross kemp on sky 1 now
Well folks, the good news to report to you this morning is that our boat has docked in El Arish, and every vehicle has cleared customs.
At 4pm today, the 1st of 4 flights will start to take the 515 humanitarians to El Arish, and hopefully, tomorrow we will all cross through the Rafah Border into Gaza.
Everyone is excited, and really motivated about our progress. Lets hope everything goes to plan.
Wish us well, as we have one final hurdle to cross.
Tyrone To Gaza
John Hurson
Good news John, finally :) Best of luck with the remainder!
Great news John,your a star
Quote from: Tonto on January 03, 2010, 11:50:30 AM
Nothing like sectarianising the cause by asking a convicted murderer to speak, is there? ::)
I'm sure Stanley Adams' family would be delighted.
Edit: I should say, best of luck to John, I hope you're able to make it to Gaza :)
Trust you!
Nothing in comparison to the racist/sectarian apartheid overtly displayed by the very government your beloved mother britain helped install and has helped maintain since 1948.
Gulpin. ::)
Stole this off the Tyrone Herald - a piece by Ronan McSherry.
Canavan supports Gaza convoy
Calling for support for John Hurson as he attempts to bring vital aid to the beleaguered people of Gaza, GAA legend Peter Canavan said the Edendork man was a great supporter of Tyrone when they needed his help to win their first All Ireland title in 2003.
The public meeting in the Bank House Hotel, Dungannon was called by the Independent Workers Union, to show solidarity with the 'Viva Palestina Convoy' led by politician George Galloway, which consists of 500 people from 20 different countries in 250 vehicles loaded with charitable humanitarian aid.
Union President Patricia Campbell and Moy activist Tommy McKearney addressed the crowd while independent councillor Barry Monteith was also in attendance.
A year ago the Gaza area came under prolonged attack from Israel causing massive loss of civilian life and devastation to the area.
Canavan, who is the Honorary President of the Tyrone to Gaza project, told the packed meeting on Saturday evening, "John was there when we needed him and now the shoe is on the other foot as he needs to get across the line."
Canavan described the situation in Gaza as 'an abuse and a scandal that needs to be highlighted.'
The former Tyrone captain added, "It was a human tragedy that could have been prevented unlike areas that had been affected by earthquakes and other natural disasters. Children are being left to die and are without food, shelter and homes. John and the others on the convoy are bringing the aid in the face of great adversity and need our support."
The convoy has been delayed by the Egyptian government, however, speaking to the meeting by phone, John Hurson said they were "optimistic" of getting the much needed aid to its destination.
In a live link-up, a Health director in Gaza wept when he heard the rapturous cheers and applause from the hotel room in Dungannon. A clearly emotional Mahmoud Abu Aisha said, "Our people are desperate. There is no running water and we are down to the bare necessities. The situation here is dreadful."
The meeting concluded with a song about the invasion of Palestine titled, 'Mother's Lullaby.'
It was written and sung by Ardboe balladeer Mickey Coleman accompanied by Plunkett McGartland on fiddle while distressing images of war-torn Gaza were shown on a large screen.
Great news John, we are rooting for you all
Only 1 plane has landed in Egypt, 2nd one diverted to Damascus with an engine problem. Another plane will take the remainder of us at 6 am to El Arish. Egypt now not letting in 50 vehicles, and have beeen trying to send the 155 people there to Gaza with the vehicles, and not letting us in. However, everyone there protested, and are staying put until we all arrive. They took over the arrivals lounge, and are staging a massive protest.
These Egyptians are been shown up in the headline news right across the Arab World as every media outlet is following our story and exposing Egypts role in the siege, and their closeness with Israel/US.
More news as it unfolds.
great/sad song some harrowing pics....
keep up the good work john and everyone...
From the Irish Times:
Police clash with Gaza convoy
Egyptian security forces clashed with members of a an aid convoy, which includes a number of Irish people, trying to take relief supplies to Palestinians in the Gaza strip.
Witnesses in in the port city of Arish, 40 km from Egypt's border with Gaza, saw security forces throwing stones at about 520 people travelling with the convoy.
The convoy, lead by British MP George Galloway, includes several Irish people and three Irish vehicles.
It has been locked in a dispute with Egyptian authorities over the route of the 198 trucks.
Police used water cannon to force the protesters to leave Arish harbour, which they had occupied, a security source said. About 40 members of the convoy had minor injuries while around 15 police officials were hurt, witnesses said.
Egypt's Interior Ministry said protesters had broken a gate into the port complex, while others scaled its walls.
Some of the protesters "lit cardboard boxes and prevented firemen from reaching them and moved cars from the convoy to block the port gate", the ministry said in a statement published by Egypt's official news agency MENA.
The activists struck a deal with police to trade four police officers who had been held by the protesters for a few hours in exchange for seven members of the convoy detained by police.
Cairo insists the food and other supplies should go to Gaza via an Israeli-controlled checkpoint while the convoy's leaders want to use the Egyptian-controlled Rafah border crossing.
Cairo has imposed strict regulations and restrictions on pro-Palestinian foreign activists who have held protests in Egypt since late December to mark the first anniversary of Israel's three-week offensive on the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
It has also controlled the movement of Palestinians and some foreigners at Rafah and is building a controversial steel wall along its border with Gaza to prevent smuggling.
Quote from: longrunsthefox on January 03, 2010, 02:42:02 PM
Quote from: Tonto on January 03, 2010, 11:50:30 AM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on December 31, 2009, 12:40:04 PM
I am hearing there will be an event in solidarity for John Hurson and all the convoy at the Bank Hotel, Dungannon on Saturday evening 5.30pm... 2nd January Speakers will be Former hunger striker and Trade Union activist Tommy McKearney, Patricia Campbell President of the Workers Union and Peter Canavan who is Honourary President of the Ireland (or Tyrone?) to Gaza campaign.
Micky Coleman will release an anti-war song in support of the people of Gaza called, 'Mother's Lullaby.'
All support welcome at this event. Keep 'er lit John!
Nothing like sectarianising the cause by asking a convicted murderer to speak, is there? ::)
I'm sure Stanley Adams' family would be delighted.
Edit: I should say, best of luck to John, I hope you're able to make it to Gaza :)
Trash contribution.
...go on...
Quote from: Aerlik on January 04, 2010, 02:06:22 PM
Quote from: Tonto on January 03, 2010, 11:50:30 AM
Nothing like sectarianising the cause by asking a convicted murderer to speak, is there? ::)
I'm sure Stanley Adams' family would be delighted.
Edit: I should say, best of luck to John, I hope you're able to make it to Gaza :)
Trust you!
Nothing in comparison to the racist/sectarian apartheid overtly displayed by the very government your beloved mother britain helped install and has helped maintain since 1948.
Gulpin. ::)
1. That is clearly whataboutery.
2. What makes you think I or most people in Britain are pro-Israeli?
3. I have no idea what a 'gulpin' is.
Just heard you interviewed on the last word there with Matt Cooper on Today FM. Well done, you came across very well and educated a large audience of the plight of people in Gaza and the behaviour of Israel and Egypt. Its a disgrace that those ambulances won't get in - what sort of scumbags would ban ambulances from being donated?
just saw on John's status that he's just gotten into Gaza now
Well folks, tonight, for the 2nd time in a year, I crossed into Gaza with the "Viva Palestina" Humanitarian Aid Convoy along with the Cork and Derry teams.
517 people in 180 vehicles crossed through the Rafah Border in Gaza.It was one incredible feeling, and to see thousands and thousands of Palestinians line the streets to welcome us was very humbling. They are the true heroes for what they have ...to live with on a daily basis.
I am shattered, however, I will fill you all in later.
Viva Palestine
john we are all proud to have cross your path
Well done again John fantastic achievement
This man deserves fulsome praise, yet another selfless act.
Quote from: Doogie Browser on January 07, 2010, 10:44:24 AM
This man deserves fulsome praise, yet another selfless act.
Jeez Doogie,
full praise might have been enough ;):
ful⋅some
/ˈfʊlsəm, ˈfʌl-/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [fool-suhm, fuhl-] Show IPA
–adjective
1. offensive to good taste, esp. as being excessive; overdone or gross: fulsome praise that embarrassed her deeply; fulsome décor.
2. disgusting; sickening; repulsive: a table heaped with fulsome mounds of greasy foods.
3. excessively or insincerely lavish: fulsome admiration.
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on January 07, 2010, 10:54:23 AM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on January 07, 2010, 10:44:24 AM
This man deserves fulsome praise, yet another selfless act.
Jeez Doogie, full praise might have been enough ;):
ful⋅some
/ˈfʊlsəm, ˈfʌl-/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [fool-suhm, fuhl-] Show IPA
–adjective
1. offensive to good taste, esp. as being excessive; overdone or gross: fulsome praise that embarrassed her deeply; fulsome décor.
2. disgusting; sickening; repulsive: a table heaped with fulsome mounds of greasy foods.
3. excessively or insincerely lavish: fulsome admiration.
But sure John would be embarrassed at the amount of praise I have heaped on him :P
Allah'u ahkbar.
I'm delighted for you all, John. My mate called me today to say the convoy had got through...his family (in Jordan, watching Al Jazeerah) texted him and he then told me.
The most inspiring post on this board in years.
Truly inspirational post. Fair play John! Give her dixie!
Just had this piece sent to me...
Emotional scenes greet convoy
A TYRONE man, who is part of a massive humanitarian fleet bringing aid to the people in Gaza, has
described scenes of 'unadulterated joy' from the local population as the convoy finally reached it s destination.
John Hurson from Edendork is part of the massive 'Viva Palestina Convoy,' led by politician George Galloway. It consists of 500 people from 20 different countries in 250 vehicles loaded with charitable humanitarian aid. The Gaza was devastated and thousands of its civilians killed when it came under a sustained bombardment from Israel last January.
The day before being allowed to enter the Gaza Strip, riot police in Egypt attacked members of the convoy before allowing it across the border. All five members of the Derry to Gaza team, and one man from Cork received what were described as 'light but painful injuries.' The other members of the Irish delegation were unharmed while an earlier news report stated that they were 'shaken' by the whole experience.
However, speaking from the Gaza, the Edendork man who drove a lorry load of aid to the beleaguered people, said, "It has been a long battle but every bit of it is irrelevant right now. We have crossed the hurdle and to see the help getting to the people is incredible. The attack by the Egyptian police is par for the course. They have done that before. It is a matter of teaching us a lesson and walking away. We got up the next morning and there was no police about. They let us go on without a single hitch. The Egyptians are owned by America because of the massive foreign aid they receive from them. They get that aid based on the fact they do exactly what they are told by Israel and America."
John was overwhelmed by the reception as the convoy reached its destination.
"It is some feeling to be back again and see all our old friends," he said. "It is absolutely amazing. We got all 517 people in. There were 43 vehicles were not allowed in. Egypt under Israeli pressure said they wouldn't allow them in. We will send them in through Palestinian camps in Lebanon and Syria.
"There must have been at least 70,000 to 100,000 people lined the roads from the border the whole way right through the town. I have never experienced anything like it. It was unbelievable. Everyone is delighted we are here. All the vehicles are in a big compound and the aid is being handed to all the different charities and agencies. It is amazing."
John hopes to return to Tyrone 'as soon as possible.' He plans to continue his work on behalf of the people in Gaza. He concluded, "The situation in the Gaza needs to be highlighted in Ireland and throughout the world."
Fair play to John and everyone else involved. It's great to read posts like this and to see that there are people out there working away to help those that are in such desperate need of supplies.
Folks wrote this press release earlier. However, while in the Gaza City Sporting Club, we heard a loud explosion. It turned out to be a F 16 attack which has left 4 Palestinians dead.
It was a scary experience, as the attack was only half a kilometre from where we were.
Needless to say, the meeting was wrapped up on the spot, and we were returned to our hotel.
This was about an hour ago, and word on the street is that they are preparing for more attacks.
On the anniversay of the massacres, this is very worrying.
Israel just knows no bounds when it comes to Palestine.
On Wednesday 6th January 2010, 517 members from 20 different countries in 200 vehicles crossed through the Rafah Border into Gaza to amazing scenes of celebration. Close on 100,000 people lined the streets into Gaza city to welcome the "Viva Palestina" Humanitarian Aid Convoy.
The convoy left London on December 6th, and had travelled through Europe, then Turkey, Syria and Jordan. They reached the port city of Aqaba, Jordan on December 24th, however, they were refused permission to continue to Gaza, a journey of 5 hours. Instead, they had to make their way back up to Syria, a journey of 700kms in order to ship all our vehicles to El Arish. From there, 4 flights were required to fly all the volunteers to El Arish to meet up with their vehicles.
On Tuesday 5th, everyone was reunited with their vehicles in the port of El Arish. At 5pm, the Egyptian Government reneged on their witten deal and refused to allow 59 vehicles to proceed into Gaza.
They walked out of a meeting, and instantly, over 2,000 riot police surrounded the compound containing the vehicles and volunteers. Hundreds of volunteers staged a peaceful protest at the gates, and after a few hours, they were attacked by the police with tear gas, bricks, stones, and baton charged. 60 people were injured, and 20 needed hospital treatment.
The following morning, tensions had been reduced and a decision was made to send all the banned vehicles back to Syria and Lebanon to Palestinian Refugee Camps. At 4pm, the 1st of the vehicles started to roll out of the port to make the 40 km journey towards the border, and at 7pm, the gates at Rafah opened and the convoy completed it's final leg of their trip into Gaza.
Following a reception at the border, the "Viva Palestina" convoy rolled into Gaza City. A distance of 20 kms took over 3 hours as upwards on 100,000 Palestinians lined the streets to welcome the Convoy.
This was the 3rd "Viva Palestina Convoy" to break the siege on Gaza inside 1 year.
Today, all the vehicles and aid was handed over to various charities and NGO's. There were very emotional scenes as people said goodbye to their vehicles which had become their homes for the past month on the road. The appreciation from the Palestinians is very hard to put into words, such was the emotions they displayed. For people from all over the world to travel to Gaza in order to deliver aid, really means so much to the stricken region. This was solidarity on a grand scale.
Tyrone man, John Hurson, delivered Gaelic goalposts, jerseys, footballs, DVD's and books to the newly formed Gaza GAA club. Very soon, children in Gaza will be kicking points and scoring goals, and trying to emulate the skills of their President, Peter Canavan. In an offical hand over, the club were delighted to recieve all this support, and are looking forward to seeing Peter visit Gaza very very soon. Lets hope his Co President Professor Noam Chomsky pays a visit as well.
Tomorrow, the convoy members will leave at lunchtime, and return home to their families. The convoy has been an incredible success, and today in an official reception, they were told that a street in Gaza is to be re named "Viva Palestina Street". This indeed is a great honour, and a lasting tribute to the success of the convoys.
Thats shocking to hear and I'm sure a very frightening experience alright. God help the people having to worry all the time about attacks. Safe trip home to all involved.
feck john thats getting to close for comfort
safe journey home....
you all have my uppermost respect!
As much as the Robinsons have plumbed the depths of what's politically wrong, John Hurson and Viva Palestina have scaled the heights of what is so f**king absolutely right! Mighty stuff, mighty!
Quote from: give her dixie on January 07, 2010, 11:52:13 PM
Tyrone man, John Hurson, delivered Gaelic goalposts, jerseys, footballs, DVD's and books to the newly formed Gaza GAA club. Very soon, children in Gaza will be kicking points and scoring goals, and trying to emulate the skills of their President, Peter Canavan. In an offical hand over, the club were delighted to recieve all this support, and are looking forward to seeing Peter visit Gaza very very soon. Lets hope his Co President Professor Noam Chomsky pays a visit as well.
Let's look forward to the day when, very soon, the Gaelic Gazans teach us how to play the beautiful game ;D
From the BBC:
Respect MP George Galloway has been deported from Egypt.
The Bow and Bethnal Green MP was reportedly trying to return to Gaza to help members of a humanitarian convoy who had been arrested.
A convoy spokeswoman said he had arrived at the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt when he was driven off by police.
Mr Galloway spent the night in a cell in Egypt in 2006 after attending an anti-war event.
Well done to John and the rest, incredibly brave. safe journey home. What Israel is getting away with is downright sickening.
Quote from: thejuice on January 08, 2010, 12:49:01 PM
What Israel is getting away with is downright sickening.
Yes it is f**king criminal, genocidal and on a par with the nazi Germany. As my earlier post has pointed out, there is a way to show the zionist nazis - boycott. "From little things big things grow".
Quote from: Doogie Browser on January 08, 2010, 10:05:46 AM
From the BBC:
Respect MP George Galloway has been deported from Egypt.
The Bow and Bethnal Green MP was reportedly trying to return to Gaza to help members of a humanitarian convoy who had been arrested.
A convoy spokeswoman said he had arrived at the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt when he was driven off by police.
Mr Galloway spent the night in a cell in Egypt in 2006 after attending an anti-war event.
Galloway is a good 'un... it is just hard to let go of that image of him supping milk and purring with Rula Lenska :D
CAIRO: Egypt on Friday declared British lawmaker George Galloway persona non grata, accusing him of incitement after his harsh criticism of Cairo over delays in an aid convoy's entry into Gaza, the foreign ministry said Friday.
"George Galloway is considered persona non grata and will not be allowed to enter into Egypt again," a Foreign Ministry statement said. The activist left Egypt Friday morning from Cairo airport.
Earlier, British press reported Galloway had been deported from Egypt. They said he was taken by police from the Rafah crossing with Gaza to Cairo airport where was put on departing British Airways plane.
A police officer maintained security escorted him for his own protection.
"It was to protect him from the Egyptian people's anger," he said on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to the media. "He was told that he is a trouble maker and his behavior is undermining Egyptian security." Galloway led more than 500 activists as part of an international aid convoy to Gaza. They entered late Gaza Wednesday from Egypt after a month traveling. Egypt gave them only 24 hours in the blockaded seaside Strip before it said it would re-close the crossing.
On Tuesday clashes erupted between members of the convoy and Egyptian riot police in the Mediterranean port city of El-Arish after the convoy was delayed due to some of the materials it was carrying, and dozens of protesters and police were injured. Seven convoy members were ordered arrested if they returned to Egypt.
A sympathy protest along the Gaza-side of the border Wednesday degenerated into stone-throwing scuffles and exchange of fire between Egyptian security and Palestinian gunmen, killing one Egyptian border guard. The convoy was organized by the Britain-based group Viva Palestina, which planned to deliver hundreds of tons of aid.
Egyptian authorities are absolute b******s in all this... but all goes back to influence of the U$A. Galloway is doing great work as is our John...
Quote from: longrunsthefox on January 08, 2010, 05:24:43 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on January 08, 2010, 10:05:46 AM
From the BBC:
Respect MP George Galloway has been deported from Egypt.
The Bow and Bethnal Green MP was reportedly trying to return to Gaza to help members of a humanitarian convoy who had been arrested.
A convoy spokeswoman said he had arrived at the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt when he was driven off by police.
Mr Galloway spent the night in a cell in Egypt in 2006 after attending an anti-war event.
Galloway is a good 'un... it is just hard to let go of that image of him supping milk and purring with Rula Lenska :D
I don't have much time for him. But all involved in this deserves credit. As has been said Egypt and Israel should be ashamed of themselves.
Well folks, I will take a bit of time today or tomorrow to write up a detailed report on the past 3 weeks.
Now, i'm in the airport at Istanbul in Turkey having flown here yesterday.
When we left Gaza, all 517 of us were bused straight to Cairo airport and deported. What a way to treat humanitarians eh?
We were not allowed our passports until we had boarded our flights, and anyone going to the toilet were under gaurd the whole way. The treatment was unreal, and everyone had to buy their own ticket, at an inflated rate, to get home.
Anyone flying out of a different airport were not allowed to take a transfer to it. You just had to leave Cairo and that was that. Over 40 people are still in Cairo airport waiting on flights, having been there for over 30 hours now.
Egypt have now become the new Israel, whereby they don't give 2 fiddlers about how they behave, as they can get away with it. They have been so horrible, and yesterday they issued a statement saying that NO more convoys of aid will be allowed to enter Gaza through Egypt, no matter who it is that is bringing that aid.
The way they treat the Palestinians in Gaza is just as bad as the Zionist state of Israel, and I suppose that is how they earn their $1.7 billion in US aid each year. However, the worm is gradually starting to turn, and the world is taking notice of the way Israel/Us/Egypt are behaving towards the Palestinians. Very very soon, the world will say "Enough Is Enough".
Gaza was just incredible once again, and believe me when I tell you that they are without a doubt the most beautiful and friendly race of people I have ever met in the world, and I have done my fair share of travelling. Their dignity and resilliance in the face of incredible obstacles has to be seen to be believed. They are a proud nation, and the welcome we got was just incredibly humbling. It was a very emotional visit, and I can't wait to get back to there very soon.
I fly into Dublin today at 1 30pm, and I can't wait to get home and see my family and friends. I might even venture out to Mc Aleers tonight for a pint or 7.......... The Sunday World are doing a 2 page spread today on the convoy, so if you can, please buy and have a read.
As soon as I get a chance, I will write up a better report and fill you all in. I might add in some extra marital affairs in order to get people to read up on Gaza, as a bit of scandal in someones personal lives seems to be the only thing people are interested in reading these days................
Tyrone To Gaza
John Hurson
That was some journey John, real inspirational stuff, fair play to you!
The behaviour of the Egyptians would have the late Pres. Sadat turning in his grave. He was on the point of inflicting defeat on the state of Israel in 1973 were it not for the intervention of Brezhnev and Tricky Dicky. How things have changed.
Congratulations, John and the other Irish, and safe home.
Ireland To Gaza
Well folks, the great news to report to you all is that the "Viva Palestina" Humanitarian Aid Convoy safely reached Gaza and delivered all their aid. On January 6th, 517 humanitarians from 20 countries, in close to 200 vehicles, crossed through the Rafah Border into Gaza. The scenes greeting us as we made our way to Gaza city were unbelievable. Over 100,000 lined the roads and streets as we took 3 hours to drive 20 kilometres. They had waited patiently on us for us for weeks, and their outpouring of excitement and gratitude was the most humbling experience in my life. They are the real heroes, not us.
Having left London on December 6th the convoy made its way through Europe, and then crossed the sea into Greece. From there, they arrived to a hero's reception in Turkey, and to add to the convoy, another 200 people in 70 vehicles loaded with aid joined the already swelling numbers on the road. Turkish charity, I.H.H. provided the vehicles and volunteers. This particular charity is one of the leading Turkish charities, and at various times, upwards on 12 Turkish M.P.'s were on the convoy. Their involvement brought with them some serious political clout that was to prove invaluable when we faced some serious difficulties later in the journey.
From Turkey, the convoy rolled into Syria, where as expected, the reception was huge. From Syria, the convoy crossed the border into Jordan on December 22nd. It was at this point that I flew to Amman in Jordan and met up with everyone. It was fantastic to meet up with loads of my old friends from the last convoy, and to listen to the many wide and varied stories from the trip thus far. Everyone was in top form, and the end of the road was in sight, at least on a map anyway, as we were all to find out later.......
The following day in Amman, thousands showed up for a rally in honour of the convoy. There were a few hours of speeches, as each speech had to be translated into 3 languages each time someone spoke! As you can imagine, it got boring after a while... Upon our return to our hotel, 3 local women had appeared waving an Irish flag. They had been following my "Ireland To Gaza" facebook group, and having found out what hotel we were in, came to show some support for the Irish on the trip. Their mother was from Dublin, and all 3 had lived in Ireland until 15 years ago. They were just so excited to catch up with us and show support, and needless to say, we were inspired by their efforts. Plus, there was great banter as the hotel lobby was full of other convoy members looking on at our fan club!
December 24th, we travelled from Amman to the port city of Aqaba in southern Jordan. It was an amazing drive, as 70% of the trip was driving through the desert. In soaring temperatures, driving for hours with nothing but a desert landscape to look at was mind-blowing. From the previous convoy, driving through the desert was my favourite part of the journey, and to be driving through the desert again was special indeed.
We rolled into Aqaba around 6 pm, and all the vehicles were parked up in a compound. From here, a 2 hour sail and a 4 hour drive would see us at the Rafah Border. Busses took us into town where we all met up to hear the latest news. George Galloway and others came back from a meeting with Egyptian Government, and announced their new conditions of travel to Gaza. Everyone was shocked, and totally dismayed by Egypt's new rules.
1. We were to hand over all our vehicles and aid to the United Nations Relief Agency.
2. Drive back up to Syria, put all our vehicles on a boat and sail it to El Arish Port. We were to take a ferry or fly.
3. We were to ask Israel for permission to cross from Egypt into Gaza.
Now, on the 1st point, there was no way that we could hand our aid over to the UN. Everything would have to pass through the Israeli border, and there was no chance that they would allow everything to cross. Plus, the UN are continually shouting about the lack of aid Israel is letting in, as they are not getting anything close to what they need to distribute in Gaza.
Secondly, by driving up to Syria, the boat crossing would be 18 hours, and cost a fortune.
Thirdly, and this was the crucial point, that we ask permission from Israel to cross into Gaza from Egypt. This was their 1st public declaration that they were been controlled by Israel and the US. At this point, the whole of the Arab media arrived in Aqaba and started covering the convoy to over 100 million viewers. There was outrage at Egypt for not only coming out with such a statement, but with their refusal to let us cross from Aqaba into Egypt.
At this point, the Turkish Prime Minister got involved in diplomatic negotiations, and the Queen of Jordan called to offer her total support to everyone. She appealed to Egypt's deaf ears, and to no avail.
The next couple of days were spent in negotiations, and on December 27th, to commemorate the 1st wave of attacks on Gaza, a special vigil was held. Everyone observed a 3 minute silence, and the names of 16 medics killed in Gaza were read out. It was a very sombre moment, as Caoimhe Butterly read out their names. Caoimhe worked in Gaza during the 22 day attack, and most of these medics were friends and work colleagues. Following this we marched to the Egyptian embassy and held a peaceful protest at their gates.
Plus, 30 of us joined is a hunger strike along with many others in Cairo who were part of a Gaza Freedom March that was banned from entering Gaza. Over 1,300 people from all over the world had arrived in Cairo only to be told they would not be allowed in. Among the hunger strikers in Cairo, was Hedy Epstein, a 85 year old Holocaust survivor.
Together we fasted for 40 hours until word came through that a deal had been struck. Egypt was going to allow the whole convoy a safe passage into Gaza if we travelled from Syria.
We would not have to hand it over to the UN, and we would not to ask Israel for permission to cross. (Like we were going to...)
To everyone assembled, this came across as a good compromise, and everyone was in favour of getting back on the road and getting to Gaza.
So, on Tuesday 29th, everyone packed up and hit the road again. A long days driving saw us cross the border into Syria, and on to Damascus where we stayed the night. We stayed here the following night as well, as plans were been made to secure a cargo boat to transport our vehicles. The Turkish government came to the rescue and paid £250,000 for a cargo boat large enough for the job. Plus, the commander of the Turkish Navy stated that they would protect their vessel from any "hostile attack". Now that is diplomacy eh?
On the 31st, the convoy made the final leg of its journey to the port city of Latikia in northern Syria. Here, all the vehicles were parked in a compound at the sea in a large Palestinian Refugee Camp. Almost 7,000 live here, with no chance of ever returning to their homeland in Palestine. This was a chilling reminder to everyone about the reality of the displacement of Palestinians from their homeland. People were showing us deeds for their houses, which they have been expelled from and will never see again. It felt sad in a way that we were going to get permission to go to Palestine, but for these natives, they had no chance of ever seeing their homeland again.
So, on Sunday January 3rd, we loaded close to 250 vehicles onto a Turkish Cargo ship and it set sail for the Egyptian port of El Arish. The following day, the Syrian Government chartered a plane to fly over 500 people to el Arish. It was going to take 4 flights to complete the job.
The 1st flight got away on time, and when they reached El Arish, the Egyptians had moved the goalposts again. They were insisting that the 155 people who had just arrived go straight to the port and drive all the vehicles up to Rafah and then leave. They were stamped with entry and exit visas at the same time, which is illegal. Needless to say, a stand off ensued and 9 hours later, the Egyptians relented and agreed to everyone been present to go to Rafah.
The 2nd flight left, and mid-air developed an engine fault. It landed safely in Damascus, where everyone was very relieved to have landed without incident. Another plane was chartered from Greece, and it flew to Damascus to collect and fly those stranded to El Arish, and then it returned to Latikia, where the remaining 197 passengers boarded to fly to El Arish.
Having arrived at El Arish airport, a full scale commotion was going on as the airport officials "lost" 5 passports. As our noise got louder, 1 by 1 the passports mysteriously re appeared...... After 8 hours in the airport, we were bussed to the compound at the port where all our vehicles and all the convoy members were gathered.
Little did we all know what was in store for us later on that night. During discussions with the head of the I.H.H. charity, a Turkish M.P. representing the Government, and George Galloway, Egyptian officials reneged on their previous deal, and where now denying entry to 59 vehicles. Then, they stood up and walked out to make a phone call. 15 minutes later they looked out the window and the compound was surrounded by 2,000 riot police and soldiers. This was developing into a very tense situation.
Hundreds of convoy members went to the main gates and staged a peaceful protest. We all linked arms at the front, and at various times, sat down for long spells. The Muslim men gathered in deep prayer, and the atmosphere was very calm.
However, things changed for the worse after a few hours whenever we were attacked by stone throwers from behind police lines. They fired tear gas on us, water cannoned us, threw sand in our faces, and then baton charged us. It was a very scary moment, and I was lucky enough to escape any blows. As everyone was getting pushed back into the compound, stones and bricks followed after them from the police lines. A full scale riot raged for the next 10 minutes as stones and bricks rained from both sides of the wall.
When calm had been restored, 60 members were injured, and 15 had to go to hospital to receive stitches. It was a long night as tensions took as while to calm down. 7 people were held by the authorities over night in a police truck. The mood among everyone was total shock as to what had just happened.
People were very frightened, and with just cause. The sight of people injured was not a pretty one, believe me.
Press TV News Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gObPx_3NOWA
After a few hours sleep, we awoke to see about 40 police men now guarding us, and a new line of discussions opened. The Turkish Prime Minister was dealing directly on our behalf, and he had negotiated a new deal. The 40 new cars that had been bought by US volunteers in July and had been refused then, were now the only vehicles not allowed to cross. It was decided that these vehicles would be shipped back to refugee camps in Syria and Lebanon rather than send them to the Israeli border. Plus, the 7 people detained from the previous evening were returned without any charge.
Then, at 4pm, vehicles started to get ready to pull out of the port. As darkness fell, the 1st group of twenty vehicles started the 40km drive to the Rafah Border. I was in the 2nd group, and at 7pm on Wednesday 6th January I crossed over the border into Gaza for the 2nd time in a year. Instead of a 5 hour crossing, we did a 13 day roundabout to reach this point. It was an emotional crossing, and all the hardships faced along the way just faded into a distant past. We had done it. We had crossed every hurdle put in our way, and together we stood tall for our principles, and broke the siege on Gaza.
Press TV report on our arrival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2M3yUhk5eU
It was a different feeling from the last crossing, but equally important. Inside the gates I got to meet several friends from the last trip, and to see the emotion and joy in their faces was another humbling experience. Our crossing meant so much to them, and living in a prison, they don't get to see many moments like these. We were a symbol of hope, love, solidarity, kindness, humanity, and peace.
Following a reception at the border, we set off for Gaza city. Thousands and thousands of people, young and old, lined every step of our way. They were leaning over each other just to get touching a vehicle. Taking pictures with their mobile phones, shouting messages of thanks, and generally giving us a hero's welcome. It was one long humbling experience. What the residents in Gaza have to live with on a daily basis makes them all the real heroes in our books.
After a good nights sleep, I awoke to hear loud booms out at sea. Looking out from my window, I could see Israeli gunships patrolling the waters a few miles out. This is a constant reminder that their presence is close, and to stop fishermen from going out far enough to fish. Not a pretty sight to see on a daily basis.
At mid day, everyone met up at the compound, and we officially handed over all our vehicles and aid to various charities and NGO's working in Gaza. Anyone with specific deliveries, got to hand over their aid personally. There were emotional scenes as people packed up their belongings and said good bye to their vehicles that had become their home for the past month. It had been a long hard journey, and this final act, sealed a job well done. Everyone could hold their heads high and say that they delivered their aid to Gaza in one piece.
I went off in the afternoon to the Al Jazeera studio and appeared on one of their main shows. I was on a panel along with an Egyptian spokesman, and a Turkish journalist. We were all filmed from various locations, and needless to say, the Egyptian hadn't good legs to stand on!!
Link for the show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnyfL453sOU
That evening, I went to the Gaza Sporting Club. This is the club I presented jerseys to before, and this evening I was back with more! This also marked the occasion where I formally established a Gaza GAA club within their structures. I presented them with a set of jerseys that had been donated by Peter Canavan's school, The Holy Trinity in Cookstown.
It was a very proud moment, and one for the history books.
They presented me with a plaque, and 3 club jerseys. It was a fairly emotional meeting for sure. Very soon, children in Gaza will be playing Gaelic football, and will be kicking points like Peter!!
During our meeting, a loud explosion was heard in the distant.
The curtains in our room blew in and then out with the blast. At this point, our evening was cut short and we returned to the safety of our hotel. It was a very tense feeling, and word came through that it was a F16 attack and that 1 man had been killed. In another attack near the border, 2 more were killed in F16 attacks. This was a cold reminder to all about the daily fear everyone lives with in Gaza. These attacks are designed to keep on letting everyone in Gaza know that they can be hit at anytime, for no reason at all. Just living in Gaza makes you a target.
The following morning, we were all advised to head straight to the border. Everyone packed up, and after many tearful farewells, 517 people made their way to the Rafah Border.
We were made to wait for 8 hours, and then when we had passed through immigration, we were all loaded onto buses and taken directly to Cairo Airport. Here, each and every one of us was "Deported" from Egypt. This was our final thanks for having brought humanitarian aid to the suffering people in Gaza. For all of us, it is a badge of honour. Where else in the world would you be deported for having completed an act of charity? The mind boggles........
Egypt can hold their heads in shame for what they did to us. Making us endure a 13 day detour, attacking us, and then deporting us, was some reception from a supposed friend of the west. Then, they announce that they will never allow another convoy of aid to pass through their land for Gaza. They have a big heart, and their generosity knows no bounds.
At Cairo airport, our passports were held and only returned when stepping onto a flight. The British Embassy in Cairo did nothing for their citizens, and the US did even less. The Irish Embassy did more than every other Embassy put together. From the moment we landed in El Arish, they were making up to 5 calls a day to us to make sure we were all ok. They also made several calls for our safety to the Egyptian Government.
Michael Martin also called to offer his support. Once again, Ireland stood up for its citizens and for the Palestinians. We were truly grateful for this support and constant contact.
I had a flight to Istanbul at 1 45pm, and when that plane left the ground on take off, I let out a big sigh of relief. Boy was one happy man to have seen the back of Egypt. That's twice Egypt have attacked us and made our journey difficult, and following my deporting, I never want to see that country again.
Now that I'm back, I will continue to champion the cause of the Palestinians living under siege in Gaza. What is happening to them is one of the biggest crimes against humanity going on in the world today, and it must stop soon. I truly believe that with the wide coverage the convoy received in the Arab world, very soon the screws will tighten further on Egypt and Israel/US to lift the siege illegally imposed on Gaza. The situation has to change soon, and very soon. I know that by playing my small part, it can help make changes in time.
I am eternally hopeful that common sense will prevail very soon.
So please pass this story on to anyone you feel would read it. This is a brief account of what we went through, and what the Palestinians live with on a daily basis. The more people aware of the situation there, the sooner it changes.
This Friday night in The Bank Hotel in Dungannon, a sort of homecoming is planned for me. Particia Campbell, Mickey Coleman, Tommy Mc Kearney, Bernadette Mc Aliskey, and Peter Canavan have organised it. They had a meeting of solidarity for the convoy on Jan2nd, and it was inspiring to receive their support. So if you can make it, come along at 9pm. I will talk about the trip, and the panellists will have a discussion. Mickey Coleman will be singing his new anti war song, "Mothers Lullaby". Evening to be finished off with music and a few drinks for sure......
For all the support shown to myself, and to the convoy as a whole, thank you all so much. In moments of despair, your message of support would lift the spirits. Each and every one of you all played a role in making sure the aid reached Gaza.
Together, we all made it happen, and the people in Gaza love and respect everyone for having shown the courage to speak up for them. They will never forget this convoy, that's for sure......
Tyrone To Gaza
John Hurson
Fair play John, you're an absolate credit. Many people talk, but you do! I'm just sorry about the trouble you ran into in Egypt.
Truly inspirational John, what a fantastic effort. Maith thú ar fad.
There's not many can look back on their lives and say they've done something for the greater good of humanity but you John are in that select band and you are indeed inspiration to us all.
More power to your elbow.
John, what else can be said about you sir, reading that piece brought a tear to my eye. you are an inspiration to us all, and many others the world over!!
I've said here numerous time before but you are a credit to your country. Well done and thanks for keeping us updated.
Fair play John. If only there were more people like you the world would be a better place. In a way you make me feel ashamed to be at home enjoying my big Christmas dinner while you and everyone else involved were out trying to get aid to Palestine and having many problems with the Egyptians in doing so.
Your a credit.
Legend!
Good to see your home safely John, though I'm sure it won't be long before you have another trip planned. Its just a pity people need to in this day and age.
Fair play to you, your a credit to your parents, your Country and yourself.
Keep up the good work.
Quote from: The Watcher Pat on January 12, 2010, 06:23:47 PM
Good to see your home safely John, though I'm sure it won't be long before you have another trip planned. Its just a pity people need to in this day and age.
Fair play to you, your a credit to your parents, your Country and yourself.
Keep up the good work.
x2!
OPINION: Barack Obama says US intelligence fails to 'connect the dots' to prevent terror attacks. America itself fails to connect the dots that help explain motive, writes LARA MARLOWE
IN AMERICA, 2010 has been dominated so far by the aftermath of the failed Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Airlines flight 253. Amid the flurry of recriminations and speeches, it was reported that a state department official "misspelled" the name of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Nigerian who attempted to bring down the aircraft with explosives sewn into his underwear, thus preventing data concerning him and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula from being correlated.
The story fed the narrative of bureaucratic ineptitude, and received wide coverage. No one pointed out that there is no correct spelling of Arabic names transliterated into English. Umar is the same as Omar, and both spellings are correct, just as Mohamed can be written several ways.
This footnote to the failed suicide bombing was symptomatic of a wider breakdown in understanding, as if the collective American psyche was pre-programmed by rigid mental software not to comprehend.
Any cop will tell you that the first thing one searches for when investigating a crime is a motive. The fact that two well-educated young men – Abdulmutallab the Nigerian and Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi, a Jordanian – were ready to turn themselves into human bombs in the hope of killing Americans, just five days apart, ought to make us ask why. Abdulmutallab (23) is from a rich family and studied engineering at University College London. Balawi (32) was a medical doctor with a Turkish wife and two young daughters. On December 30th, he dealt the worst blow to the CIA in 27 years by killing seven agents at its base in Khost, Afghanistan.
In a posthumously broadcast video, Balawi said his "martyrdom" was to avenge the assassination by an unmanned US drone last August of Baitullah Mehsud, a Pakistani extremist leader.
It would be easy to dismiss Balawi's suicide bombing as merely another round in the cycle of revenge between the US and al-Qaeda. But clues to Abdulmutallab and Balawi's motives are there if you search for them. There was a photograph of the solemn, baby-faced Abdulmutallab, wearing a red polar fleece at what appeared to be a London demonstration against the Israeli bombing of Gaza. One of Balawi's brothers told the New York Times that Balawi was changed by the Israeli assault on Gaza, which killed 1,300 Palestinians.
Balawi's family, like that of Maj Nidal Malik Hasan, the US army psychiatrist who killed 13 US service members at Fort Hood in November, were Palestinians from what is now Israel. In 2008, the Washington Post reported, Balawi wrote on an internet site that he wished to "be a bomb" so he could punish Israel for its treatment of Palestinians.
You would think these events might spark a debate about the anger of Palestinians and Muslims towards Israel and the US. But to the extent that this anger is mentioned, it is portrayed as blind, fanatical hatred, with no reference to Israel's continued occupation of Arab land, the suffering of Palestinians still under siege in Gaza or the 1,300 Palestinians killed by Israel one year ago.
The New York Times published a one-and-a-quarter-page spread on "The Terrorist Mind" in which the words Israel and Palestinian appeared not once. It is as if a curtain, a de facto taboo, falls over these topics in the US. No wonder Americans "don't get it". President Barack Obama made six statements and speeches about the Christmas Day attack and ordered two policy reviews. House and Senate committees are gearing up for a string of hearings on the security lapses. I recall no comparable US interest in the Israeli onslaught on Gaza.
Time magazine reporters in Amman quoted senior Jordanian intelligence sources saying they believed Balawi turned on the CIA because so many civilian deaths resulted from the airstrikes in Afghanistan for which he provided intelligence as a double agent.
The US has suffered 4,358 fatalities in Iraq and 943 in Afghanistan. In the same period, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis are believed to have been killed and thousands of Afghans. US officials say most die at the hands of their own countrymen. That doesn't change the perception that the US is ultimately responsible because it started both wars.
During a TV debate on profiling, MSNBC presenter Chris Matthews said: "If Americans were going around killing Muslims, they'd be searched at airports too." But Americans are killing Muslims, in far greater numbers than Muslims are killing Americans.
A US federal judge's recent dismissal of charges against four Blackwater mercenaries who shot dead 17 Iraqi civilians in a Baghdad traffic circle in 2007 was quickly forgotten by the US public. You can be sure it wasn't forgotten by Arabs.
MSNBC is supposed to be a politically liberal network. So I was surprised to hear one of its breakfast commentators suggest that prisoners at Guantánamo "live better there than they did in their own countries". A classified Pentagon report this month concluded that one in five prisoners released from Guantánamo then joined an extremist group. If you'd been water-boarded, subjected to sleep deprivation, loud music, extreme temperatures, threatening dogs and scantily clad women interrogators using sex to humiliate you – and seen your holy book flushed down the toilet – you'd probably join an extremist group too.
At a recent briefing Obama's chief counterterrorism expert John Brennan was asked about the motivation of suicide bombers. Al-Qaeda, Brennan said, "is dedicated to murder and wanton slaughter of innocents . . . has the agenda of destruction and death . . . is just determined to carry out attacks here against the homeland".
"But you haven't explained why," the journalist protested. Brennan ignored her, and went on to the next question.
The US "failed to connect the dots", Obama and other officials repeated ad nauseam in the wake of the Abdulmutallab case. The dearth of co-ordination between 18 US intelligence agencies, the fact there is still no single database and more than half a million names on an ineffectual "terrorist watchlist" have been analysed to death in the past two weeks.
Yet nothing has been said about the equally dangerous failure to provide Muslims appalled by US policies with an alternative to suicide bombing. Obama hinted at this in a speech on January 7th. "We must communicate clearly to Muslims around the world that al-Qaeda offers nothing except a bankrupt vision of misery and death," he said, "while the United States stands with those who seek justice and progress."
One thing would convince Muslims that the US seeks justice: the creation of a viable, independent state for the Palestinians. After more than half a century of skewed US Middle East policy, peace between Israelis and Palestinians would not stop attacks on the US overnight. But the injustice done to Palestinians remains a festering wound and, even more than Guantánamo, the best recruitment tool for al-Qaeda.
Obama knows this, but seems powerless to do anything about it.
Please click onto this link to view photo's from the trip to Gaza.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541019313#/album.php?aid=173529&id=541019313&ref=mf
Below is a few to wet your appetite......
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4268850227_af90e476ff.jpg)
Another fan in Gaza
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4269601490_fa75e6ac89.jpg)
Israeli gunships keep an eye on the children playing
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4268827997_2700debf03_m.jpg)
Convoy parked up in Gaza
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4268831071_c1c821e461_m.jpg)
Sunset on the Gaza Strip
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4269551570_1e62e74354_m.jpg)
Derry To Gaza
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4268845741_1fc7c00163_m.jpg)
Holy Trinity Cookstown jersey hand over.
I was looking at these this morning John. Amazing photographs.
Just a quick reminder folks about the event tonight in the Bank Hotel in Dungannon.
I will be talking about the recent trip to Gaza, the Gaza GAA Club, and of course, the situation
on the ground in Gaza right now.
Mickey Coleman will be singing a few songs, including his anti war song "Mothers Lullaby".
Doors open at 8, so come along for what is sure to be a great event.
Just read this and I must say fair dues to everyone involved.
But I cant see other countries getting involved on the side of the Palestinians, Israel is rich and powerful and the
palestinians have nothing. Thats all that matters.
The only hope for the people of Gaza is individuals like John.
John's interview on RTE re the GAA club
http://www.rte.ie/sport/other/audiovideo_index.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/other/audiovideo_index.html)
Fair play
Michael earns his corn.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0306/gaza.html
Martin briefs EU ministers on Gaza situation
Saturday, 6 March 2010 13:37
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has briefed EU Foreign Ministers about the humanitarian situation in Gaza following his visit to the region.
The briefing took place amid the half yearly informal meeting of Ministers in the Spanish city of Cordoba.
The closed-door meeting was also attended by the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, who is expected to visit the Middle East in the coming weeks.
AdvertisementMinister Martin said he briefed those present on what he called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and pointed to the effective destruction of the private sector there.
Mr Martin visited Gaza last week and was the first EU foreign minister to enter the coastal strip in over 12 months.
The area was severely damaged in an Israeli offensive in December 2008, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.
The Minister's recent tour of Gaza was the first visit by an EU Foreign Minister since an Israeli assault in 2009.
Minister Martin said that his report was well received.
Any time the Gaza is on the news now I think of think of Dixie's and the convoy's magnificent efforts...
One Laptop Per Child reaches Gaza Strip
The UN in the Gaza Strip has begun distributing thousands of laptop computers to children in its schools.
The rugged laptops are made by the non-profit organisation One Laptop Per Child, which aims to give a computer to every child in the developing world.
One Laptop Per Child say computers are a good way of improving the education of children living in poverty.
Humanitarian conditions have deteriorated in the Gaza Strip in the last three years, the UN says.
HOWEVER...
Israel and Egypt maintain a blockade on Gaza, which was tightened in 2007 after Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, and all but humanitarian supplies are prevented from entering.
Unrwa, the UN agency for refugees, began distributing 2,100 laptops on Thursday in Rafah, a town in the south of the strip.
This is part of a wider ambitions to distribute 500,000 laptops to children in Gaza by 2012.
Connected
One Laptop Per Child has built the energy efficient XO laptop especially for children in developing countries.
"The XO laptop has a special place in children's education in regions that are disrupted by ongoing violence," said Nicholas Negroponte, founder of the organisation.
"With the XO the children can continue to stay connected and gain the skills and knowledge required to participate fully and thrive in the 21st century - even when getting to school is impossible."
The UN agency which looks after Palestinian refugees, UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) provides housing, health services, education and emergency food supplies to more than four million refugees in five countries.
The computers are to be loaded with textbooks and teaching aids that cover the primary school curriculum, a statement from UNWRA said.
Folks, I think by now most of you know that actions like this are crock of shit, and for anyone who knows anything about the situation there right now will know that laptops are the last thing they want to see in Gaza right now. Maybe since they have been locked up for 4 years, with no sign of a release date, i'm sure they think they need something to pass the time away, while doing their stretch in prison.
The UN is handing out lap tops because Israel has allowed it to happen in order to publicise a Hollywood story about how it is extremely nice of them to let children have lap tops. Would it not suit them better to allow in some food? Every single child who will recieve a lap top lives in a prison created by an illegal siege on 1.5million people. 60% of whom are uner 18. On a daily basis, they go hungry, they go without water, they go without electric.
Gaza is one big labratory, where the Zionists have the power to turn on and off the lifeblood.
Everyone lives their life not knowing what they will turn off, when they will turn it off, and for how long. Over the past year, they have been introducing longer periods of cut offs. A few weeks back, they cut of their electric for 3 days. It's a slow genocide, and they are turning the screws tighter each and every day.
And the leaders of the world have their eyes shut tight when it comes to Palestine. They are all controlled by the Zionists, and they say nothing.
What has Ireland done about the stealing of passports? Nothing. Michael Martin went to Gaza on a personal capacity for lunch on afternoon a few months back. He refused to meet a member of the democratically elected Government at the border. He went to a couple of schools, got a few photo's took, and was gone before dark. His 1st press conference out of Gaza, he called for the release of an Israeli prisoner of war, and refused to acknowledge that there are over 11,000 Palestinian prisoners, hundreds of whom are children.
Israel treat 16 as the age you can be tried as an adult. Throwing rocks gets you anything from months, to years. Plus, only a small amount of them recieve visits from families. No one from Gaza has been allowed to visit a friend or a family member in over 4 years.
For the 50,000 people left homeless after the brutal attacks last year, they still live in tents. For over 4 years now, building materials have been banned by Israel, and they are still banned. Last week, for the 1st time in nearly 4 years they allowed in a couple of hundred tonne of cement to the UN I believe. Again, this news story was pumped out by the Zionists through all their media outlets. What lovely people they Israeli's are. They have a heart of gold.
So folks, do you want to know why they have allowed cement and laptops into Gaza for the 1st time in 4 years? Well, in 3 weeks time, a flotilla of cargo and passenger boats will set sail for Gaza. 5 passenger ships with 600 people on board from all over the world, and 3 cargo ships carrying 5,000 tonnes of cement, medicine, school supplies, and guess what? Lap tops.
So, by Israel allowing in these token items in, it lets them off the hook by saying cement isn't banned. Sure didn't we allow it in last month? Laptops are not banned. Sure didn't we allow them in 2 weeeks ago?
Now, the flotilla of ships can't say that these items are banned. Israel have all their evidence to show that they allow them in. Takes the wind out of the organisors sails though....
Anyhow, stay tuned for more developments on this flotilla. As usual, I will have all the latest news, and believe you me, this is going to be some challenge to Israel on the Med. Turkey are sending a 3,500 tonne cargo boat, and a 400 seater ship. 5 more boats from across Europe will join them, and together, they will head straight for Gaza. What happens is anyones guess, however, seeing as the Turkish Prime Minster has been very vocal against Israel, a major diplomatic storm could be brewing......... What this space......
Keep up the good work
Muslim unity? ::)
GAZA CITY: Hamas movement has slammed a gas attack by Egyptian security forces that killed four smugglers in a tunnel under the Egypt/Gaza border on Wednesday afternoon.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zohri demanded an immediate probe into the incident at a press conference on Thursday and called on the Egyptian government to prosecute those in charge. He said that his movement strongly denounced the action against the Palestinian victims.
On Wednesday, medical sources at Al-Najar hospital reported that nine others had also been wounded.
At least 40 smugglers have been poisoned by noxious gases since a blockade was imposed on the Gaza Strip, said Abu Zohri.
He added that a total of 145 residents have been killed in different incidents.
He explained that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip need the tunnels because of the blockade.
"We demand that Egypt explain its position about what is happening and investigate the circumstances of this terrible crime and show the truth to the entire world and hold those responsible accountable."
In Cairo, an Egyptian intelligence official denied the allegation. He said that security forces blew up the entrances to several tunnels earlier this week.
He said Egypt routinely blows up the entrances to seal the tunnels off. He said fires sparked by such explosions could use up all the oxygen in the tunnel and people caught inside could suffocate.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
After Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in June 2007, Israel imposed a crippling blockade on the territory and closed most of its commercial border crossings into Gaza.
This forced people in the area to dig a vast network of smuggling tunnels under the borderline between Egypt and Gaza so they could smuggle in vital supplies.
Israel says Palestinian fighters use tunnels to smuggle weapons into Gaza, and have ordered its warplanes to repeatedly bombard tunnels in the city of Rafah south of the Gaza Strip.
www.vivapalestina.org
Flotilla to break Gaza siege
On May 24th, an international flotilla of cargo and passenger ships will depart from various European ports and set sail for Gaza. 3 cargo ships will carry over 5,000 tonnes of medical and building supplies, and 5 passenger boats will carry over 600 people.
This flotilla is been led by the IHH charity from Turkey, and is supported by many groups worldwide, including the Free Gaza Movement, Free Palestine Movement, European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza and the Greek and Swedish Boat to Gaza groups amongst others.
In January of this year, IHH was an integral partner with Viva Palestina on the convoy to Gaza, where 500 people in over 200 vehicles successfully broke the siege on Gaza and delivered essential humanitarian aid. Viva Palestina are therefore very proud to announce their involvement with IHH again on this flotilla, and in addition to sending medical and building supplies, a Viva Palestina Coalition team will be on board this historic journey.
The siege imposed on Gaza is now in it's 4th year. It has created a humanitarian crisis that has left the entire population without sufficient food, water, medicine, electricity, building supplies, clothes, toys, and freedom of movement. 1.5 million people, over half of whom are children, suffer directly because of this siege. Since the attacks on Gaza last year that left over 1,400 people dead, and 50,000 people homeless, no building supplies have been allowed to enter Gaza. 15 months on, people still live in tents and temporary shelter, unable to rebuild their homes.
Viva Palestina, led by George Galloway M.P. have successfully broken the siege on Gaza 3 times with land convoys of aid. Over 1,000 volunteers in 500 vehicles have delivered essential humanitarian aid to the stricken region in the past year. By taking part in this flotilla, Viva Palestina will be bringing much needed humanitarian aid, and attempting to break the siege once more.
We are calling on our supporters to donate towards the cost of medical and building supplies. Viva Palestina will be purchasing supplies in Turkey that will be loaded onto the IHH cargo ship departing from Istanbul. People can donate towards the cost of materials by clicking on the following link:
http://www.vivapalestina.org/donations.htm
Or, for UK mobile phones users, text the word "Cement" to 70060
£5 will be charged to your phone bill.
You can also follow us on facebook by joining the following Viva Palestina Flotilla group:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000958034539&ref=profile#!/group.php?gid=238347355199
If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@vivapalestina.org
Thanks for your valuable support,
Viva Palestina
Proud of you, lad!
Fingers crossed something good will happen.
Mideast talks start next week
By ANDREW QUINN | REUTERS
Published: May 1, 2010 01:07 Updated: May 1, 2010 01:07
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Friday she expected Israel and the Palestinians to begin indirect peace talks next week, breaking months of deadlock over a key US foreign policy goal.
"We will be starting with proximity talks next week," Clinton told reporters, saying US special Envoy George Mitchell would return to the Middle East next week to get the process under way.
Clinton said the United States expected an Arab foreign ministers meeting on Saturday to endorse the new talks, which would give Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas political cover to resume indirect negotiations that he pulled out of in March after Israel announced new Jewish settlement construction.
"Ultimately we want to see the parties in direct negotiations and working out all the difficult issues," Clinton said during a meeting with visiting Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah.
"They've been close a few times before," Clinton said. "So we are looking to see the resumption of those discussions."
Israeli and Palestinian officials declined comment. Abbas aide Saeb Erekat said his side would await the results of the Arab foreign ministers meeting on Saturday as well as of a Palestine Liberation Organization executive committee next week.
Kuwait's Al-Sabah said he was confident Arab states would back the initiative to get talks back on track. "We support fully the position that the United States has taken," he said.
Clinton's statement signaled that weeks of intense US diplomacy were bearing fruit and both sides were again ready to relaunch the Mideast peace process through indirect "proximity" talks — in which US mediators shuttle between negotiators.
"We've worked intensively in this. We've asked both sides to take actions," said State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley. "I think there's an understanding that the proximity talks are valuable. I think there's a commitment to engage seriously in them and to begin to address the substantive issues at the heart of the search for peace," he said.
Mitchell, who held three days of talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders last week, was expected to travel again in coming days and would have meetings in the region toward the end of next week, Crowley said.
The Obama administration has been pushing hard for the two sides to resume negotiations stalled since the three-week Gaza war that began in December 2008, calling it a direct security concern to the United States.
Hopes that indirect talks would start in March were dashed when Israeli officials announced plans to build 1,600 new homes for Jewish settlers, ignoring US and Palestinian objections. Abbas had long insisted Israel freeze Jewish settlement building before the talks resume, and had rejected a temporary hiatus in construction ordered by Netanyahu last year as insufficient.
But Palestinian sources have said that Mitchell offered them an unwritten commitment to assign blame publicly to any party that takes actions that compromise the negotiations in exchange for coming back to the table.
Caoimhe Butterly at Stormont with this blog and the Joint First Minister
Last Wednesday evening the MV Rachel Corrie sailed out of Dundalk harbour at the beginning of an historic journey. Its goal is to deliver hundreds of tons of much needed construction, school and medical supplies to the besieged people of the Gaza Strip.
Irish woman Caoimhe Butterly is one of the main activists behind the plans for a flotilla of eight ships to break the Israeli siege by delivering supplies by sea to Gaza. This blog renewed its acquaintance with Caoimhe last April when a delegation of Shinners visited the Middle East and spent two days in Gaza. Caoimhe had worked during the Israeli assault on Gaza the previous December and January as an ambulance helper.
In the past she has worked with victims of aids in Zimbabwe and with the homeless in New York. In 2002 she was shot by an Israeli soldier in Jenin and spent over two weeks in President Arafat's compound in Ramallah when it was under siege by the Israeli's.
She is a dedicated activist for human rights.
Last Monday Caoimhe visited me at Parliament Buildings. She told me how the Free Gaza Movement had purchased the 1800 tonne MV Linda at the end of March from the Irish government.
The ship was built in Germany just over 40 years ago and for the last ten years had been bringing timber from the Baltic to Dundalk.
In July last year the company which owned the ship went out of business and the crew was abandoned to its fate. The International Transport Federation and SIPTU investigated the circumstances and found that the crew had not been paid and were being treated disgracefully by the ships owners.
The MV Linda was seized and auctioned by order of the High Court in Dublin following an application by International Transport Federation inspector, and SIPTU. It has been in Dundalk harbour since then.
At the end of March the Free Gaza Movement bought her at auction for €70,000. Proceeds from the sale will be used to pay arrears owed to the, mainly Ukrainian, crew.
The Free Gaza Movement, together with the Turkish humanitarian organisation IHH – the Foundation For Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief – the European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza, the Perdana Global Peace Organisation from Malaysia, the Greek and Swedish Ship to Gaza campaigns, and the International Coalition for Lifting the Siege on Gaza, they are organising a flotilla of eight ships to sail to Gaza with supplies.
The flotilla – of three cargo ships and 5 passenger ships - will be loaded with up to 5,000 tonnes of supplies and 600 international passengers and media who will make the perilous journey to Gaza. Among those participating will be Sinn Fein TD Aengus O Snodaigh.
A repainted MV Rachel Corrie
For the last 6 weeks the MV Linda has been tied up at Brown's Quay being repainted and refitted, including having a large tricolour painted along her side clearly identifying her as an Irish humanitarian ship.
Caoimhe and her friends have been busy gathering a range of supplies desperately needed by the people of Gaza. Other supplies include pharmaceuticals, wheel chairs, paper and toys for the children.
Arthur Morgan TD and Aengus O Snodaigh TD
On Wednesday morning the MV Linda was formally renamed the MV Rachel Corrie. Aengus and Arthur Morgan TD were on hand to celebrate the event. The ship is now named after Rachel Corrie, a 23 year old American activist from the International Solidarity Movement who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in March 2003. Rachel Corrie was one of a number of activists acting as human shields trying o prevent the Israeli Army demolishing the home of a Palestinian family.
The MV Rachel Corrie about to sail
The MV Rachel Corrie is now on her way to the Mediterranean. There she will join with the other ships of the flotilla and make for Gaza. They will bring much needed aid but in reality much more is needed to rebuild the homes of thousands of families and the shattered economy of the Gaza Strip.
The continued siege of Gaza by Israel is an affront to the International community. The governments of the world have failed to defend the rights of the one and a half million people of that small imprisoned strip of land. It has been left to human rights organisations and activists like Caoimhe Butterly to try to help. It isn't good enough. If the US and European Governments and Russia and others are serious about peace in the Middle East then they must end the siege of Gaza.
Quote from: Chris agus Snoop on January 17, 2010, 06:42:00 PM
Just read this and I must say fair dues to everyone involved.
But I cant see other countries getting involved on the side of the Palestinians, Israel is rich and powerful and the
palestinians have nothing. Thats all that matters.
The only hope for the people of Gaza is individuals like John.
The Boycott Divestment Sanctions campaign against Israel is gaining momentum. Elvis Costello is the latest artist to refuse to perform in Israel.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/05/whats-hebrew-for-sun-city.html
Israel has no future as an apartheid state.