Rally to Allow Humanitarian Aid into Gaza

After twenty-two days of Israeli bombing, the isolation of Gaza remains deadly.  The Palestinians there have been under blockade for two years; thousands are homeless; food is scarce.   Building supplies are not allowed in and people are still living amidst rubble.   People are not allowed in or out.  Everything coming in is restricted.   Medical supplies and equipment are not getting in.   Palestinians are rarely allowed to leave to get medical care, nor are they able to import what they need. 

Over 250 Americans and others are on their way to break the suffocating siege of Gaza! Our communities have been raising funds to buy medicines and medical supplies to take to the people of Gaza, which has been sealed off at all borders and the Mediteranean coast, mostly by Israel but with some cooperation by Egypt. 

For this reason, Vietnam Vet Ron Kovic and UK Member of Parliament George Galloway organized Viva Palestina: Lifeline from the US to Gaza, a convoy designed to not only bring in aid, but to raise world consciousness about Palestinian reality.   Three Boston area activists are on the convoy.

On Saturday, four buses carrying medical aid and volunteers were stopped at the Suez Canal by Egyptian authorities and prevented from crossing into the Sinai on their way to Gaza. They were given conflicting reasons why they could not proceed to the Egypt-Gaza border checkpoint at Al Arish. Dorchester People for Peace, Vets for Peace, International Socialist Organization, and United for Justice with Peace  will hold a rally and press conference Tuesday, July 14, 4:30 p.m. at Park Street Station to demand the convoy be allowed to enter Gaza.

Take action:

• Read the updates on the convoy from Dorchester resident Jeff Klein and share them with others.
• Read about the Viva Palestina project and more updates at http://www.vivapalestina-us.org.
• Attend the rally Tuesday, July 14, 4:30 p.m. at Park Street Station.
• Demand the Egyptian authorities provide safe passage to the Viva Palestina convoy.
• Call your Congress person to put pressure on Egypt and Israel!