DISCLAIMER: In light of some recent activity we’ve been having, I want to be very clear – this post refers only to certain people in Egypt.
A couple days ago I posted about Viva Palestina, an aid convoy that has now driven from London to the outskirts of Gaza. It didn’t take a genius to predict that some sort of craziness would ensue. According to the group’s website some Libyan medical trucks have already been let in, but the bulk of the convoy remains stuck outside Rafah. The organizers insist that “there is a consensus though amongst the members of the convoy that no vehicle will go through any Israeli controlled crossing.” So Galloway and company struggle to negotiate with the Egyptian authorities (read: Israeli proxies) regarding what will be allowed in and what won’t. But that’s all to be expected… I’ll only be surprised if they let it all through.
Related posts:
- From London to Gaza
- And With this Finger, I Will Neek the Egyptians
- Al-Jazeera Twitter Page: Quick, Short and Unspun News
- Philip Rizk – Egypt’s Latest Political Captive
- Shoah Watch: Sudden Pullout
uhmm yeah. because the only possible explanation for the behaviour of some of the folks in Al-Arish is either "kiss[ing] up to Mubarak" or "an Israeli conspiracy"… how about a healthy distaste for the Hamas regime in gaza? oh no … it couldn't be that … better lay the rock-throwing at the feet of those devious Israelis who infiltrated Sinai dressed as local fellah to derail the aid effort … that sounds more plausible.
Posted by drdan | March 9, 2009, 3:41 pmI guess my sarcasm was lost on some people… But I don't see what the Hamas regime has to do with anything. This is an aid convoy that aims to help civilians.
Posted by Kalash | March 9, 2009, 5:34 pmKalash good post! My dad told me about this yesterday, it is sad I have been to that area and it is really poor and there is not much food or services there, I do not blame the individuals who threw the stones. I do not think it is for Mubarak's sake, but rather either a hungry mob or some of the infamous Mubarak gangs sending some message! Food in Al-Arish is now overpriced because of Palestinian demand. Clearly some rightfully are unhappy with that. P.S. there is rather a large number of Palestinians residing on the Egyptian side of the borders.
Posted by Hanitizer | March 9, 2009, 6:14 pmthat just shows how weak our people have become, selfish cowards, i understand theyre hungry but their brothers on the otherside just got bombarded which the cowards' gov't had a hand in, displaced anger is easy when you cannot standup to your own gov't who also hold the blame for your hunger! we should get used to being bottomfeeders, unless this type of behavior and attitude changes
Posted by blah | March 9, 2009, 7:14 pmWooop Dewsbury!! On a more serious note, this is a disgrace. The convoy took a leap of faith by letting the Egyptian authorities handle the reception in Egypt (thus alienating the opposition), but in return the convoy was stopped and told that half of them couldn't pass. Eventually they did let them go and hopefully the crossing will stay open
Posted by Shafiq | March 9, 2009, 10:38 pmThanks habibi. Despite all the riots, I didn't know about the food being overpriced in Al Arish – interesting. Of course, they have every right to be unhappy with the situation. But it's probably like you said: some of Mubarak's minions wreaking havoc on his behalf – many outlets reported clashes in Al Arish between the activists and "security forces."
Posted by Kalash | March 10, 2009, 1:44 am