===================================================
Once we got to Cairo airport, we were forced straight into the small terminal 2 which is for internal flights. We were told to go through to departure lounge which had little facilities. Those of us who refused to do so, were denied access to toilets (by deploying rows of riot police across the corridor) and intimidated in an effort to force them into the lounge.
We new that once through to the lounge, there was no way back out of the airport. Soon the authorities deployed two lines of riot police in full gear and countless plain clothes thugs to intimidate us.This was followed by seven arrests.
We were in the lounge until 12pm with no clean water and enough toilet facilities. Under strong protest from us, the authorities transferred us to international terminal and released our brothers and colleagues.
50 of us are still imprisoned in a small section of terminal 4 (International). No drinking water is provided to us until we met with someone from British Consulate at 6.00pm (2pmGMT), we had no free access to toilet facilities or food.
The authorities have informed the British consulate that we are deported from Egypt, but no evidence is produced as to why. The British representatives agree that this is collective punishment.
There is no reason why, having obtained Egyptian visa, we should not be able to leave the airport. We, as detainees, have requested a visit from the Red Crescent. This has been refused.
We have also requested bedding for the night, but this has been refused too. So we will have to sleep on the cold hard marbel floor in bright light and regular loud airport announcements.
===================================================
A young Palestinian boy carries rubble from his home destroyed by Israeli air strikes in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.
First stop, the destroyed Ministries Dept All Ministries are housed in these blocks. Just bought groceries from shop that gets ALL supplies from The Tunnel. Mud on cola cans. But damn it have to use Israeli currency!… Just saw bombed Parliament. Now passing through beach, can see Israeli naval ships in the horizon. They have no business being there.
===================================================
At where we parked our vehicles, there are also bombed and gunned cars. Check out the bullet holes.
in Gaza and amazed at the Internet connection… the pier at the gaza beach is gorgeous
Israeli land mine under what used to be a 3-story bungalow owned by a wealthy family. They now live in a mud house.
We have entered Gaza on the 31st day, its been a long hard journey but we're all here now…
===================================================
NEXT STOP GAZA!
===================================================
Convoy is moving at less than snail's pace through gates of port compound, bound for Gaza. Every passport being checked
===================================================
15 convoy members who were held by the police last night have been released. Their prison was a van outside our compound
===================================================
Convoy still not moving. Will have to leave the sixty vehicles in exchange for six arrested.
===================================================
hearing convoy accepted to leave 59 vehicles behind. Turkey to hold them
===================================================
The dust has cleared after last night's clash with the police, and we're preparing to leave for Rafah. We've been told we'll have 48 hours in Gaza, but negotiations still ongoing about how many of our vehicles we can take in.
===================================================
last night scary with tyres burning & some vehicles getting smashed… Got a ambulance very close to others to make it difficult for them to swing a crowbar at the windows. Difficult to get out too. That Said it all seems to have been stage-managed.
===================================================
Recovering after riot police attack last night. All convoy members remain in the compound at Al-Arish. Still hope to reach Gaza today… Difficult night, many injured. Negotiations took place & it looks like we might go into Gaza today
===================================================
Uneasy truce since last night. Still heavy presence of riot police and our exit is barricaded. Were promised an exit to gaza at 8am – but still no sign of that.
===================================================
Egypt has had every opportunity to redeem and to recast itself in the role of the hero. Instead they have needlessly and voluntarily cast themselves in the role of villain.
===================================================
More Than 10 Injured, Seven Arrested, Including A Malaysian
===================================================
It's 4:15am here. We been camping in our vehicles. Some took refuge in the mosque. Riot police still outside gate + 3 water cannon trucks… Calm now but the mood is shit. Some members also not happy how a few others reacted to Egyptian provocation saying we have driven this far in peace.
===================================================
10,000 protesters are outside the Egyptian embassy in Ankara.
===================================================
All quiet for now. Six arrested, lots of head wounds as cops started the rock throwing. One serious injury stretchered out
===================================================
Eye witness account:
"I was coming back from dinner with 8 brothers and sisters.
approximately 30 riot police approached us & started harassing pushing and hitting us. the situation escalated. we tried to lock arms and hold each other and get to the gate. there were too many of them.
two meters from the gate they separated us and beat the shit out of us.
i got dragged under and into a group of the riot police and was being beaten. managed to get to the wall. as i was being beaten one of the brothers grabbed me from across the wall and pulled me into the compound.
of the nine of us, four are missing i do not know what has happened to them.
there are other stories like this. do not know if anyone was killed. they appear to be targeting middle-eastern looking people. shame on you."
===================================================
1 person just got rolled out on a stretcher
===================================================
2.30am:
Calm now. Galloway speaking to us, explicitly named EGYPT regime as instigator of violence. Said now the world can see who is responsible For Gaza siege. We have bend over backwards to come to Al-Arish cause EGYPT said we'd be welcomed here, instead welcomed with violence Galloway here with Turkish MP s to negotiate movement of convoy since 5:30pm local time. Egypt asked for 59 of our vehicles to give to Israel. 59 vehicles = 25% of our convoy which includes 2 big trucks from Britain and Turkey . This contradicts written agreement EGYPT gave to Turkey in Aqaba. Egyptian negotiator left meet room after Viva rejected demand to surrender 59 vehicles to Israel. No Sooner he left the riot police closed in on us
===================================================
Instigators started moving in from within the police lines and moved on the inside of the police side of the barricades. Convoy members were Sitting on the ground when shouts from police lines started and then wham, hell. Just helped bandage a friend's head Some people are missing including a Malaysian student who came on his own from the UK. We are trying to find him. He may be arrested
===================================================
Full blown riots have now ended! For now that is
===================================================
Full-on battles between convoy boys and Egyptian riot cops. Tear gas, water cannons, rocks throwing
===================================================
All hell has broken lose at the port. Shit flying around and police spraying and gassing. We're in the gates
===================================================
Riot cops have moved their barriers and look to be gearing up for a fight. Our boys preparing to defend the port.
===================================================
Nothing happing at the moment, sitting at entrance in the sand facing Egyptian riot police(ants) taking it in turns to read Quran Slight chill in the air, waiting for the outcome of negotiations, Turkish officials are corresponding with Egyptians as we wait. Police have blocked entrance and more reinforcements seem to be pouring in
===================================================
2hrs ago we were all cleared through, protests were on the brink of violence, negotiations began, silently protesting awaiting outcome. we have been confined to a car park in Al-Arish, the Egyptians are not permitting all vehicles through to gaza, fire engines are ready to spray us with water
===================================================
Negotiations underway again…
===================================================
Convoy blocked from Gaza. Stand-off with Egyptian riot cops/water canon. Peaceful sit-down at moment. Protests called round world.
===================================================
At compound The gates have been blocked by authorities cars and hundreds of riot police waiting outside! Members are getting anxious…
Full scale protest at compound and full scale riot police in huge numbers waiting! This will get ugly tonight. All we want is ALL our vehicles!
Riot cops! And a water cannon truck just arrived. Deja vu ke? Okay damn, a water tank size of 16 wheel petroleum carrier just arrived
big trouble happening now. convoy surrounded by riot squad negotiations broken off
===================================================
Chaos multiplied! Self stick visas being sold for $15.Still we have no passports n now they have run out of visa stickers! Great Rep of Egypt?
===================================================
Previous group who have been waiting 6hrs just got their passports back as we landed. 2 Brits and 5 turks have not yet received theirs from the 1st group The reason for the delay is unknown, Egyptian authorities are not commenting, people are lost! Still waiting for passports,former group are refusing 2 board buses until everyone receives passports. A scuffle was about to break out between some members of convoy and Egyptian police, which was triggered when Egyptian police forced some Egyptian police forced some members on the bus causing an individual to hurt his hand. Viva Palestina are engaged in negotiations with Egyptian officials regarding the vehicles
===================================================
Last group from Latakia en route to Al-Arish…
===================================================
Egyptian demand of handing over all aid to UNWRA has resurfaced despite earlier ratified agrmnt with Turkey! No way Jose!
===================================================
EGYPT and Viva came to agreement. Egypt will remove exit stamp on passports & allow members to go to hotel while waiting for next 3 flight
===================================================
Press TV reporting disputes over demands for charge of $27000 for port services which would not have been incurred but for enforced diversions Press TV also reporting some 60 vehicles are being refused permission to proceed, incl a US vehicle, Turk sat broadcasting one, & all 4×4s
===================================================
The Egyptian authorities have betrayed the assurances they gave to the convoy in allowing them to land at Al-Arish … Passports were taken, visas paid for, then they were given exit visas & told must go direct to Gaza. Passports have not been returned … 120 or so convoy members now staging sit in at Al-Arish demanding that convoy be allowed to proceed all together as agreed by Egyptian authorities… Egyptian authorities are now playing the Israelis game. All assurances have been betrayed. Expect to spend night in airport.
Mad noise as members bang and stamp their feet, against chairs. Booing. Whistling. It's more than 5 hours since EGYPT took our passports! Egyptians trying to break our convoy. Airport immigration who wanna give exit stamp on passports and forcing our batch straight to Gaza. But Viva told authorities we have bout 350 bro and sis who aren't here yet and we not moving without them. This is what they did to the Gaza Freedom March; allowing a handful in and blocking the rest to make the support for Gaza look small
===================================================
2nd of 4 flights diverted to Damascus due to technical problems. Airplane grounded till further notice. We returning to base camp.
Second 8pm flight was unable to land at Al-Arish due to engine trouble. Everyone is OK. The left-engine displayed problems on the flight. At approximately 20 minutes from Al-Arish, our plane was sent back to Syria and has landed safely in Damascus. We flew back on one engine, with superb flight control by the captain! Syria loves us too much and wont let us go. but we will b on the next flight to Al-Arish & get there as soon as possible Insha-Allah. your prayers help keep us safe!
===================================================
finally boarded flight from Latakia in Syria to Al-Areesh in Egypt! as the plan sped up
the run way to take off there was a loud BANG and a few of us saw what looked like an
explosion under the wing! (i had a window seat so i saw it!!!!) we took off and every
thing seemed hunky doory till ten mins in there was another load BANG and the plane seemed
to loose power! there was another bank and then the captain announced that we are being
diverted to Damascus air port due to technical problems!
basically one other engine had stalled and attempts to re start it in mid air failed. at
no time did we feel our lives were in danger and the plane made a normal landing! thanks
to a lot of praying and duwah!
many of the convoy members had been suffering from food poisoning vomiting and diarrhea
this problem worsened for some people in the airport and needed medical attention!!!
though the doctor seemed a little... strange!
after 5 hours a new plane has arrived and we are about to board more updates as we get the
chance!
===================================================
after being refused entry to Egypt via planned route of Aqaba the convoy has been forced
to trace its path back to Syria via Damascus and then on to the port town of Latakia
where we have been for the last three days courtesy of the Palestina community and the
Syrian government.
we have forwarded our vehicles via ferry to Al-Areesh in Egypt and the people will begin
to fly out to Al-Areesh airport from 4pm today!
the as team will be on the 2nd flight which leaves at 8pm this evening.
the spirits are high on the convoy as we can almost see the final goal! GAZA
George Galloway has joined us and spirits have been lifted further!
2 bits of bad news!!! some IDIOT and i can only use this word IDIOT to describe them!
stowed away on the cargo ferry with the vehicles and but the whole convoy in jeopardy!
had this person been discovered in Egypt they would have had the perfect excuse to stop
the convoy!!!!
the convoy leaders and participants are clear that what ever happens to that IDIOT viva
Palestina will NOT be using its influence to get them out of trouble! currently they are
in the custody of the ships captain and he is considering 1 of two moves either he hands
them over to the Egyptian authorities or he takes him to the next port and hands him in
then!!!
either way he has broken international maritime law and could and should be dealt with by
the authorities accordingly! happy top say it was no one i the Manchester group!!!
the 2nd bit of bad news is that the Egyptians have refused entry to Egypt for 3 of the
convoy members! this time it was not any of the original fantastic 4 who were refused at
Libyan/ Egyptian border in march!
we are requesting that people make duwah for these people who have been with us all the
way from the 6th DEC. we want them to complete the journey with us!
viva Palestina AND OUR TURKISH PARTNERS will be making an argument for them to continue
the journey and we the people of the convoy will also take action to facilitate this!
hopefully the next time i wrote to you we should be in GAZA Insha-Allah!
we are all requesting your sincere duwah s for the convoy , the protesters in egypt and
the people of Palestine in general!
big shout to the people at young peoples support foundation where i work who have allowed
me extended leave in order that i may complete this mission.
for now good bye!!
Aqeel
===================================================
Press TV also reporting some 60 vehicles are being refused permission to proceed, incl a US vehicle, Turk sat broadcasting one, & all 4×4s
===================================================
Customs clearance in progress
===================================================
Ship docked in El-Arish and all vehicles successfully rolled off. 4 flights over next 18hrs to take everyone.
===================================================
News that the ferry has docked safely in Egypt, and is going through customs. We fly tomorrow
===================================================
convoy ship 1hr from reaching Al-Arish. Israeli navy shadowing the ship! Turkish skipper ignored navy and proceeding full steam ahead.
===================================================
We now have verbal but not written assurance that convoy people will be allowed to land in Al-Arish tomorrow. Plane will shuttle 4 times
===================================================
Vehicles loaded on boat @ Latakia harbor yesterday and sailed this am. Jubilation mixed w trepidation/hopes 4 safe passage
===================================================
The boats were loaded with aid today and ready to leave for Al-Arish, the plan was that we would meet them there, as we would fly to Al-arish and arrive before the boats.
However, the update is that the Israelis have just announced that they will be performing military operations in these waters and therefore the aid has no way of passing through these waters.
So there is no point getting flights to Al Arish tomorrow as the aid wont be arriving. Of course, it now seems highly unlikely that we will get to the Rafah crossing between the 3rd and 6th when Egypt said the gates would be open to us. The Convoy is now brought to a total standstill. The Israelis have pulled a very dirty tactic here if what we are hearing is true. For now this is all we are hearing.
===================================================
The crossing will take 26 hours, having had a further 8 hours added to it's journey time by Israeli pressure. Tomorrow, over 500 members of the convoy will fly to Al-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
===================================================
Though the vehicles were safely loaded onboard, the weather turned crazy this evening forcing yet another delay in our sail! at the camp which is by the sea, winds were really strong and some plastic chairs toppled here and there. the waves were rough too. furthermore, EGYPT has not given members security clearance to land in Al-arish whether by air or sea. we will be grounded here in Latakia for another day. clearly, this kind of mission is not for people who who don,t have sabar, but it may also be the kind of mission that makes people more patience, Insha-Allah. what's truly inspiring is that many if not most members here are on this trip at their own expense, they have all dedicated time and money to be here and despite EGYPT-Israel’s game and today, bad weather, they're still determined to break the siege
===================================================
convoy members loaded vehicles onto Turkish cargo ship today from 3pm to 7pm. The ship is owned by a Turkish company and has full a Turkish crew on-board. Turkey has played a huge role in assisting the convoy financially and diplomatically, other than sending a large delegation which joined us in Istanbul. Viva had hoped to send at least 15 members onboard to help guard the vehicles. however, we were advised against it as sail regulations usually only allow trained crew onboard. but they did allow 2 members to join the crew as reps for convoy. there was mixed feelings today. on 1 hand we're happy that there's some movement for the convoy. on the other, we're not all that thrilled to be separated from our vehicles. most of the vehicles were bought using funds donated by various donors and members hold a huge amanah to make sure the vehicles and aid arrive in Gaza safely. anything can happen at sea. Israel is known to roam international waters like it's their playground. look up the DIGNITY + Free Gaza Movement which they rammed in the Med Sea. we're hoping that since this is a Turkish ship, and a big one, Israel will not kacau. but Israel is Israel and you should always expect the worst kind of tyranny from them. on the other hand, there's the weather
===================================================
We have now arrived in Syria and are currently waiting for the boat to take the vehicles to Al-Areesh. Another problem they have faced is the cargo ship cannot take the people, only the aid and vehicles. The convoy personnel do not want to leave their vehicles, but are forced to do so and were expected to take other boats to Al-Areesh which would leave the cargo alone for some time at the Egyptian port. This was immediately deemed as unacceptable and turned down. They then decided the best option was to fly the convoy members into Egypt on charter planes so as to quickly get back to their vehicles. Another problem, how to pay for this. Thankfully the Great and Good Government of Turkey has offered to pay for the cargo ship to Egypt. Turkey is to be commended for this humanitarian act of kindness to the convoy and the people of Gaza who will receive the aid.
So, where it stands now is they are in the process of having the vehicles go by boat and the people by plane. Should all things go according to “plan” the convoy should arrive in Gaza in 4-7 days. However, what worries me is one dangerous situation looms in the distance, and that danger is Israel. For the Israeli pirates who only a few months back boarded, seized and confiscated a boat of dignitaries bound for Gaza, then jailed Mairead Corrigan, Cynthia McKinney and many others, could make an attempt to seize the cargo boat.
===================================================
After a "Mexican" stand off at the border port of Aqaba, we have had to return to,
Damascus Syria in order to catch ferries to al-Areesh. due to them insisting that the only
way for us to enter Rafa is after negotiating with the Israeli war machine. which the
convoy most definitely will not do! we are awaiting from the Syrian governments
confirmation that the ships are ready then we will travel to the Syrian port and head
towards al-Areesh!!!
we were welcomed by the Syrian people with a street lined with convoy supporters and a
dinner reception at a local restaurant by local engineers union. the people of Syria gave
us a really good welcome!
may Allah increase them in this life and the next!
Ameen
===================================================
Members of the Viva Palestina international aid convoy heading to the blockaded Gaza
> Strip have made the decision to go on hunger strike in protest at the Egyptian
> government's refusal to allow the convoy entry into its territory.
>
> "Volunteers on the convoy are on a hunger strike and will only take fluids until the
> Egyptian side gives them the nod," said the convoy's press officer, Alice Howard.
>
> She said the hunger strike began at 11:25 on Sunday, marking the first bombs Israel
> dropped on the besieged population of Gaza on December 27, 2008.
>
> Israel's relentless three-week offensive against Gaza from December 2008 to January 2009
> left more than 1,400 Palestinians dead, more than half of them civilians, according to
> medical sources. The Israeli assault also led to the destruction of schools, mosques,
> and houses as well as UN compounds, inflicting $1.6 billion damage on the Gaza economy.
>
> The Viva Palestina aid convoy has been stranded in Aqaba, Jordan since Christmas Eve,
> when Egyptian authorities prohibited the convoy from docking at the Egyptian port of
> Nuweiba. Diplomatic negotiations are also taking place between the Turkish and Egyptian
> governments over the convoy's entry into Egypt.
>
> "Israel has kept Gaza under siege for three and a half years against international law.
> It has not allowed aid or rebuilding materials in following its attack on Gaza earlier
> this year. Our convoy is determined to break the siege and take in urgently needed
> supplies. Spirits are high in our camp in Aqaba, and we are going nowhere except to
> Gaza," said British MP George Galloway, who is traveling with the convoy.
>
> The third international convoy to Gaza departed from London on December 5, 2009. The
> convoy is made up of volunteers from Britain, Ireland, Belgium, and Malaysia who have
> raised hundreds of thousands of pounds in their local communities to pay for ambulances,
> minibuses, vans, and lorries and to fill them with medical and other aid that is
> desperately needed in Gaza.
>
> The Viva Palestina convoy was organized to direct the world's attention to the fact that
> Israeli war criminals committed horrendous crimes in Gaza as well as to the courageous
> Palestinian resistance.
===================================================
The convoy arrived in Aqaba today and were due to board the ferry to Egypt at 8 pm. But despite televised promises from the traitor La-Mubarak that he would open the Rafa crossing. he has recounted on this and now says that the convoy needs to ask israel if they can cross. THIS IS ON EGYPTIAN LAND. The convoy is waiting on George Galloway to try and sort this out.
===================================================
Update from Aqeel 2 days ago they were on their way to Ankara and had a massive reception from the people.
There was a group of Jews for Palestine wanting to join the Convoy bot because of security reasons they were advised not to. Yvonne Ridley is trying to get them to fly into Cairo to join the convoy. Up to 1000 people are expected to fly in and join convoy in Cairo. 60 vehicles from Turkey joined the convoy. The American vehicles seem to be having problems. The convoy are expecting big problems with the Cairo government and are not sure if all the vehicles will get in if any.
===================================================
left the angels of heaven camp site and headed towards border. we had been warned that the
border was a militarized zone no phones, cameras, radios and definitely no filming or
pictures!!!!!
as we left the border we were wandering what to expect on the other side after an
altercation with the Turkish border officer who was very rude.
we pulled up to the window he shouted Auto paper! I genuinely didn't understand what he
wanted and i had explained that I didn't speak Turkish. it didn't help that my co pilot
found this guy hilarious. after a few attempts by this guy he shut his window in
protest much to the my passenger!
he eventually re opened the window and in a calmer, slightly, this time pointing to the
van saying "auto paper"
oohhh! you want my registration papers!!!! no problem!
why didn't you just say!
that was the only issue as we got passports stamped and we could hear the shouts and
chants of the crowds!
what was waiting for us was amazing
the border crossing was besieged by hundreds of Turkish supporters ready to welcome the
convoy with open arms! men women and children all sharing in this momentous occasion!
they had flags and banners aplenty!
the Turkish charity IHH http://www.ihh.org.tr/Turkey.139.0.html?&L=1 had boosted the
convoy by vehicles by 60 including a giant articulated lorry!
every corner we turned and every stretch of road we drove down had tons of native turks
waving flags and expressing how happy they were to host us in there country!
our first stop was the historic city of Istanbul!
this place was a ram-packed street party when we arrived over 80 vehicles had navigated
there way through mountains and in often treacherous snow and ice filled conditions. in
the central high way we stopped our car and walked amongst the people showing them we
were happy to be in the Muslim lands!!!
we were heading to a big reception on the edges of the city center and what a massive
center it was.
some people who were lossed asked a local taxi driver for directions and even he didn't
know that side of town!
thats how big it was ! and you know that taxi drivers are supposed tobe able to find
anything find
we eventually arrived at a very exclusive banquet hall where we were hosted by the local
mayor and the head of the IHH Bülent Yıldırım.
also present were a delegation of Jews for justice who whole heartedly support the anti
Zionist movement!
Insha-Allah will send the amazing pictures of the weeks events!
===================================================
after spending 2 days in Greece where i feel the convoy had mixed reactions.. somewhere
either side of the spectrum of who the hell are theses guys blocking up our roads in our
colorful vehicles to being totally open to the convoy and its cause. on the 2nd day of our
stay there was to be a gathering of the convoy down by the beach where we were assured a
warm welcome!
unfortunately due to leaving the center late we couldn't find the beach and instead settled
for visiting the local Internet cafe to send update to convoy followers.
we found that Greece was not generally sympathetic to the Muslim cause. we'd asked for a
local halal takeaway but were told there is unlikely to be a Muslim part of town due to
the war!!! "what war????" we enquired the crusades!!!! IS THIS GUY FOR REAL! when we
explained that this war was over centuries ago he then said and the war with the
turks!!!!!! how long ago?????
anyway drove away and found a pizza palour witch served vegetarian options!!!!
very expensive though!!! not like the uk!!! the guys in the shop were cool!
we went next door to buy some drinks but the old lady in the shop was very suspicious of
four strange looking bearded chaps trying to enter her shop she locked the door and only
opened it when we showed her a wadge of money!!!! even then she more or less followed us
round the shop!!!!
left sharpish!
ate our pizza on the streets of down town Salonika! how street is that!
everyone else who went the beach found the people to be very open and friendly towards
them and the cause!
our experience was probably just a glitch in the matrix!!!
next morning headed through the rugged Greek countryside and arrived at our destination
Alexandroulpoli (please check da spelling!) close to the Greek Turkish border.
this was a caravan park around 40k from border and was on the edge of a lovely beach!!!!
there were lovely hot showers and very close to town!
it was my turn to cook after Mustaphas omelette's escapades! i decided to make sorte potatoes
spiced up with onions and special seasonings!!!
went down a treat!
went into town after a well deserved shower and found a cute takeaway where the sold...
wait for it!!!!! pizza cones!!!! thats right we get ice-cream cone, cones of chips and now
you can have a pizza cone !!!! this is the next big thing!!!! not!
found a dry cleaners round the corner who agreed to wash and dry my clothes before our
departure time of 7am! considering it was 12.00 at night made this even more of a wow!!
in morning we had group meeting!
some issues discussed included that we were expecting MASSIVE reception from the Turkish
people !!!!!
cant wait!
===================================================
After 3 weeks of intense running around we have finally come to the stage where we are
ready to head out and start our journey! i will try to sum up this period to give you a
flavor of what we have had to go through!
we has been given confirmation from 1 of our sponsors, may Allah reward and increase them
and their families in wealth, health and Imaan for there concern and effort to help the
Palestinian cause these guys need no mention and Insha-Allah their reward will be with
their lord! please make duwah for them. the closing date for vehicle registration was Nov
10th and we had reached the 8th and still hadn't found anything suitable!!!
after an emergency meeting myself and Mustafa intensified our search for a vehicle, which
meant there would be no sleep tell we found the right 1.
that night after hours of searching I felt like Morpheus after he located Neo in the
movie the matrix! i sent the link to Mustafa proclaiming I have found it! the one!
this vehicle was an extra large Iveco van!
it was extra long and extra high. the current owners were quad bikers and had made some
alterations in order to their usage needs! namely a double bed!, a single bed, a 2 ring
gas stove with built in gas storage, a sink with running water and equipment to rig up a
generator!!!!
OK lets get it on!
the van was services and spiced up by our friends at ######## the pictures of the top rides
were taken in there work shop!!!
the design for the van was created by our very own a team member IBRAHIM aka "ox tail"
these designs were then submitted to HT signs on Slade lane in Longsight who then
transformed our van into the A Team Gaza 2 Mobile
we have to take some time out for some big shouts to our sponsors!
Ronnies Rubbers tyre station, Old Trafford for supplying quality tires for our late comer
2nd vehicle.
the boys at just chicken the ultimate chicken takeaway based on princess park way opposite
Mauldith Rd they responded to the call of the Palestinian people and insisted that before
we left Manchester we would bring the team to collect a bucket of tasty chicken for the
journey! yo I didn't need asking twice!!!
to all the brothers and sister Muslims and non Muslims friends and family who have
responded to the call to support the A TEAMS mission to GAZA, the the Masjids that Masjids
and organizations who have supported the concern and allowed collections in difficult
times. to the families friends and fellow country men who have supported us to take part
in this momentous effort. to the our family members who are now without us to help and
support them!
to everyone involved in this massive push for freedom, the A-team says THANK YOU! (as i
remember other people then i will announce them)
anyway back to the story
with everything falling into place we were able to plan the final weeks activity to
precision, this involved taking the van hear and there for service, fitting for the sinage
and new tyres!
my colleague at work felt so strongly about the cause that she made the crew a giant
Palestinian flag which we would bring to events for people to sign a message the people of
Palestine! I would estimate that this alone has raised us at least 600 so a big shout to
Laura Sculley who I work with. she is heavily in to textiles and is currently doing a part
time textile course and we wish her all the success in this!!!!
i took the flag to a Manchester Metropolitan university talk featuring Shaykh Ibrahim
Osi-Efa of Liverpool!
we were able to give a short address to the near capacity audience who responded to the
call and signed the flag, please see the pictures of the flag signing events to try and
spot yourself or some one you know.
5th December came and we were in what we call the "final panic stage" as we still had a
million and 1 things still to do but with the clock ticking, we were all beginning to feel
the pressure, especially from our families!
i lefty my house to meet the brothers at 9.00 am to pack the van with medical aid! we
didn't return home till 4.30pm! also bear in mind that we were to have left from saffron's
restaurant at 12.30am at which time we hadn't even started to load up! we filled up with
several boxes of medical equipment, an emergency operating table (very heavy) lots of
refibulation machines, the ones that you see on TV when some ones heart stop they are
placed on the patients a chest and the Dr shouts "clear" whilst an electric shock travels
through their body to try and re start their heart!, we also had some heart monitoring
equipment, as well as other miscellaneous bits like swabs and intravenous needles for
drips. these are things which we take for granted here but over in Gaza and Palestine
are in short supply. the effects of this deadly siege! the importance of this mission more
real and important
our group leader and Amir Talaht Ali was NOT happy when we told him we couldn't join the
leaving parade.(as Muslims we are always to obey and follow the orders of the Amir/leader
and we humbly apologize and ask for forgiveness for this and we didn't not do this
maliciously and publicly we want to say to Talaht that we support him fully as our Amir and
friend!)
we eventually left home and headed to London to meet up with the rest of the convoy members
and arrived at Finchly Masjid at around 2.30am tires and stressed from the past activities
we unpacked our -20c sleeping bags and got our heads down for a good nights sleep in
preparation for the start of the GAZA convoy 2!
Aqeel aka MR.T
