For the moment we are back on the bad news side of the spectrum. Earlier today, the word was that Viva Palestina was being allowed into Gaza. The convoy, now consisting of hundreds of vehicles packed with medical supplies, arrived at Aqaba, in Jordan, only to be told they would not be allowed onto the ferry to cross to the Egyptian port of Nuweiba. Now they are being told, "Oh yes, you can bring your aid into Gaza...but only from Al Arish."
Al Arish is on the Mediterranean. On the other side of the Sinai Peninsula. To get there from Aqaba one would have to almost completely circumnavigate the Sinai, adding almost 500 nautical miles to the trip. I don't want to speculate on what's being negotiated or considered on the convoy; I advise you check out the Reading PSC website for plenty of live updates. Things can change at any minute and probably will.
The point is that, as is common in this part of the world, one roadblock removed has rapidly turned into another roadblock erected. Elation turns to anxiety as quickly as that, all at the whim of a foreign government. And once again we're reminded that one of the most basic of freedoms, freedom of movement--something many first-worlders take for granted--is not guaranteed at all when it comes to Palestine.
Of course everyone is still going; many delegates are on their way or already in Cairo. Of course. What else can you do? The only way to face such obstacles is with a heavy dose of what Palestinians call samoud, steadfastness. But it does make one imagine. If you lived in Gaza, your whole life would be like this.
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