Good news: the Viva Palestina convoy, currently in Amman on its way to Gaza, has apparently gotten word from the Egyptian government that they will be allowed into Gaza "due to the humanitarian nature of their mission." Of course, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to that border, but this is a very encouraging development, since, to my knowledge, no international solidarity delegation has ever gotten an official "green light" from the Egyptian government before going to the border. (Side note: You can follow the convoy on a cool live Google map here on the Reading, UK Palestine Solidarity Campaign's website.)
Bad news: the Gaza Freedom March has not gotten a "green light." Yet. We too are bringing desperately needed humanitarian aid valued at tens of thousands of dollars, including medical supplies, school supplies (even basics like paper and pencils are scarce in Gaza) and winter coats (winters in Gaza are cold and rainy, particularly miserable if you're one of the estimated 40,000 people whose home was damaged or destroyed.) In light of the excellent news about Viva Palestina, we have formally contacted the Egyptian government requesting the same consideration. We have not heard anything yet. But...
Good news: the organizers are reporting that Egyptian embassies around the world have been "besieged" (quite appropriately!) with calls supporting the march. Apparently the switchboard operators in the DC embassy complained that they "cannot conduct normal business," which is awesome.
As delegates from around the world start to board plans headed for Cairo, it is especially important for our supporters to keep the pressure on. Please continue to call Egyptian embassies and consulates and POLITELY but firmly insist that Egypt open the Rafah crossing for the Gaza Freedom March. You can stress the humanitarian nature of our mission and the fact that we are trying to do what a coalition of 16 prominent NGOs say the international community has failed to do in the last year: bring real relief and show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
The numbers to call are:
Egyptian Embassy in DC: 202-895-4500 (ask for Omar Youssef)
NYC: 212-759-7120, 212-759-2171
Chicago: 312-828-9162
Houston: 713-961-4915
San Francisco: 415-346-9700
You can also send an email (or many) to Egyptian government officials using the handy widget here.
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