Saturday 10 January 2009

OFF TO GAZA



A late evening call on Thursday, "would I join a delegation to Gaza?"

"How do we get in, and what do we do there?" I ask.

"The Egyptian authorities are offering help at the Rafah crossing, and UNRWA (the UN Reliefs and Works Agency) will do their best to provide transport and security."

So I have a ticket in hand, hoping to join in Cairo with a group of MEPs of different nationalities, but not convinced that the Israelis will let us pass into the Strip.

If they do, I hope to use my eyes and ears, and then report back in a bid at least to influence the shaping of future EU policy.

It would be my fourth visit to Gaza. It would be also an expression of support for the people I have met in the past whose lives have been made intolerable by the Israeli seige and blockade.

Mind you, I have to change planes in London. It's not the Israelis who are most likely to block my progress, it's Heathrow!

2 comments:

Martin said...

Either way, well done for trying, Chris.

Anonymous said...

That's fantastic. I really hope you can get a good feel of the situation in Gaza. I really hope the Israeli's do let you pass through into Gaza. I'm eagerly waiting to hear your experiences once your back. Hope you have a safe journey. Best of luck!