CAIRO: The Viva Palestina aid convoy to Gaza reported a welcoming reception upon entering Turkey on their month-long journey from the United Kingdom to the impoverished and blockaded Gaza Strip. Flags welcomed the cars as they poured across the border, giving more hope that the mission will be a success, a statement from the group said.

According to Viva Palestina, spearheaded by British Member of Parliament George Galloway, “the president of the Turkish Parliament, Sahin, received the convoy members – the representatives of the Viva Palestina convoy attended official visits in Ankara yesterday [December 17] with the head of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Mehmet Ali Sahin. Also present were the head of Foreign Affairs Commission Murat Mercan along with the Head of Human Rights Commission Zafer Ãœskül,” the media statement continued.

Photos from the scene show a large number of Turks went out to meet the convoy and shower it with praise. Viva Palestina is hoping to travel through Turkey, into Syria, Jordan and Egypt before attempting to pass the often closed Rafah Border Crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

Earlier this month, reports circulated that said the Egyptian government would not allow the convoy onto its soil. No confirmation or denial from the foreign ministry could be garnered.

“Crowds of people, shouting their support, handing out flowers and waving Palestinian and Turkish flags have lined streets and greeted the convoy throughout its journey through Turkey,” Viva Palestina added. “In an historic gesture, Istanbul’s Taksim Square hosted its first demonstration in 30 years for the convoy. Speakers included the British MP and Viva Palestina founder George Galloway.”

The convoy left London on December 6 with 80 aid-packed vehicles and has been joined by another 62 along the way. The vehicles are carrying medical aid donated by leading Turkish humanitarian agency IHH (Insan Hak Ve Hurriyetieri Insani Yadim Vafki) “and will join the convoy from Turkey on route to Gaza.”

“The reception we’ve had from ordinary Turkish people, from its government, and from the IHH has been absolutely phenomenal. Their support and enthusiasm has boosted the morale of the convoy immeasurably, and their obvious support and love for the people of Gaza has been an inspiration to us. We can’t thank Turkey enough,” said Kevin Ovenden, Viva Palestina convoy leader and organizer.

This is the third Viva Palestina convoy to attempt to break the Israeli blockade against Gaza this year. Viva Palestina is a registered charity and is partnering with Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the UK’s largest solidarity organization with the Palestinian people. The last two Viva Palestina convoys were successful in delivering aid to Gaza.

BM

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