Forwarded from: gazafreedommarch.org
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22 December 2009
Forwarded Alert: Egypt – Gaza Freedom March is determined to break the siege
1,360 International Delegates appeal to Egypt to let the March proceed.
Citing escalating tensions on the Gaza-Egypt border, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry informed us on December 20 that the Rafah border will be closed over the coming weeks, into January. We responded that there is always tension at the border because of the siege and that if there are any risks, they are risks we are willing to take. We also said that it was too late for over 1,360 delegates coming from over 42 countries to change their plans now.
Although we consider this as a setback, it is something we’ve encountered—and overcome–before. No delegation, large or small, that has entered Gaza over the past 12 months has received a final OK before arriving at the Rafah border. Most delegations were discouraged from even heading out of Cairo to Rafah. Some had their buses stopped on the way. Some have been told outright that they could not go into Gaza. But after public and political pressure, the Egyptian government changed its position and let them pass.
Our efforts and plans will not be altered at this point. We have set out to break the siege of Gaza and to march in Gaza on December 31 against the international blockade. We are continuing the journey.
Egyptian embassies and missions all over the world will be hearing by phone, fax and email from delegates and the supporters of the Gaza Freedom March over the coming crucial days, with the clear message: Let the international delegation enter Gaza and let the Gaza Freedom March proceed.
Many delegates are already in Cairo and more are arriving daily. Delegates cancelled holiday plans months ago to come on the Gaza Freedom march and air tickets were purchased. We anticipate that virtually all of the 1,360 delegates will come to Cairo.
The Gaza Freedom March Steering Committee
For more information, contact Ann Wright 019 508 1493 (Cairo), microann@yahoo.com
Medea Benjamin medea@globalexchange.org
US +1.415-235-6517 Cairo 0189561919
Ehab Lotayef lotayef@gmail.com
Canada +1.514.941.9792 Cairo 017 638-2628
Haidar Eid haidareid@yahoo.com
Gaza +972 599 441 766
Source: http://gazafreedommarch.org
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Forwarded by IHRC solely for informational purposes, please contact source website for more information
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“And what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of Allah and of the weak among the men and the women and the children, (of) those who say: Our Lord! Cause us to go forth from this town, whose people are oppressors, and give us from Thee a guardian and give us from Thee a helper.”
Holy Qur’an: Chapter 4, Verse 75
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