Crisis dash to Gaza for Glasgow MSP Pauline McNeill

Feb 12 2009 By Frank Hurley

Mercy mission plans to take vital aid out to war-torn state

GLASGOW MSP Pauline McNeill plans to head to beleaguered Gaza to distribute tonnes of humanitarian medical aid.

She will be a passenger in an Edinburgh Direct Aid truck planning to set out on its vital mission this week as soon as the relevant authorities give the convoy permission to enter Gaza.

The truck is to leave via London to await finalisation of the route into Gaza.

Many MSPs have been assisting in the collection of aid that includes doctors' kits, anaesthetic equipment, anti-biotic medicine, painkillers, crutches, vitamins and hundreds of bandages.

Ms McNeill said: "The convoy is symbolic of the desire of many Scots to assist in the humanitarian crisis.

"We will be taking around four tonnes of medicine plus equipment from Scotland as well as buying £20,000 worth of supplies on arrival when we establish what additional supplies are needed.

"We have been in touch with doctors in Gaza and we are attempting to link up with primary care clinics, such as the Omm el Naser clinic who are delighted we are coming."

Roseanna Cunningham MSP said: "Whatever steps are taken to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza or whatever your views on the causes, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains and our help is desperately needed.

"I am delighted to be able to hand over to Edinburgh Direct Aid a selection of pharmaceutical products donated by my constituents and my best wishes go with those who will take the aid convoy to the Middle East."

Based on the changing situation, the truck will be leaving as soon as permission is attained from the relevant authorities that it can enter Gaza. The convoy is standing by to leave early this week as the situation is changing on a daily basis.

The convoy intends to be in Gaza to coincide with two Parliamentary delegations from across Europe entering Gaza on February 13. The convoy will continue to work on a day-to-day basis in order to ensure that the aid is delivered to the people of Gaza.

Glasgow Caring City, who have previously been successful in getting aid out to Gaza through Jordan and who are purchasing medical boxes on the convoy's behalf, are providing invaluable advice and assistance.

The EDA planned to set off on Sunday for Gaza but was delayed due to the Rafah border from Egypt closing on February 5.

This had been the main route for the passage of aid into Gaza these last few weeks, although reports also suggests much of it was being diverted to the Kerem shalom crossing in Israel.

The British Ambassador in Cairo has been keeping Ms McNeill and other organisers informed of the situation and reports that the Palestinian National Authority are insisting that humanitarian aid goes through Ramallah.