Hunger strike to force open blockade

Diplomatic negotiations are also taking place between the Turkish and Egyptian
governments over the convoy's entry to Egypt. IHH, Turkey's main humanitarian
aid agency, has 63 vehicles travelling on the convoy.

The Syrian government has also provided aid and vehicles, as has the government
of Malaysia. More than 400 people from 17 countries are travelling on the 150
vehicle convoy, which is taking medical, humanitarian and educational aid to
Gaza.

They left London on 6 December and have travelled nearly 3,000 miles across
Europe and the Middle East. However, the convoy and its cargo of aid is now
stopped in the Jordanian port town of Aqaba, having been denied entry into
Egypt.

British MP, George Galloway, who is travelling with the convoy, said: 'Israel
has kept Gaza under siege for three-and-half years against international law.
It has not allowed aid or rebuilding materials in following its attack on Gaza
earlier this year. Our convoy is determined to break the siege and take in
urgently needed supplies Spirits are high in our camp in Aqaba, and we are
going nowhere except to Gaza.'

It was at 11.25am on December 27 2008, that Israel dropped its first bombs
on the besieged population of Gaza. Three weeks later, following a sustained
air, land and sea assault, more than 1,400 Palestinians had been killed.

The Viva Palestina hunger strikers will consume only liquids until the convoy
is allowed entry into Egypt.

Convoy members will also mark the first anniversary of the beginning of Israel's
Operation Cast Lead by holding a march through Aqaba, jointly with the Jordanians.
In the evening, more than 1,400 candles will be lit for a vigil.

The convoy has been jointly organised by the charity Viva Palestina and the
Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the UK's largest organisation campaigning for
solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Follow the story on www.SwanseaPalestine.org