Israel Matzav

Egyptians deny Iranians entry into Gaza

Seven Iranian parliamentarians, who are part of an 'aid convoy' from New Delhi to Gaza, have been denied entry into Egypt - the only way to reach Gaza - by the Egyptian government.

Cairo denied entry to seven Iranian members of parliament on board. Several activists, from over 18 countries, were also denied entry.

"From 160 activists of Asia2gaza, only 120 members got Egypt visa," the group said on Thursday.

Egypt's approval is required to reach the Gaza Strip through the shared Rafah crossing, particularly since Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip was tightened in 2007.

Seven Iranian lawmakers were due to travel with the group to Syria and from there to Gaza via the Rafah crossing in Egypt to display their solidarity with the Palestinian people in their resistance against the Israeli regime.

Mahmoud Ahmadi Biqash, Avaz Heidarpour, Parvi Sarvari, Ali Motahhari, Ali Asqar Zare'i, Hassan Qafourifard and Shabib Jooyjari were the seven Iranian MPs that intended to join the Asian Gaza Convoy.

However, given this paragraph later in the story, I don't know whether we can consider the Iranian Fars News (whose story this came from) a reliable source for anything.

The move came nearly seven months after Israeli forces raided the Gaza Freedom Flotilla on May 31. Over 100 Israeli soldiers supported by military choppers boarded a Turkish ship, Mavi Marmara, leading the six-ship convoy in international waters.

The Israeli commandoes killed 20 international human rights activists and wounded 80 more. Nine of the victims were Turkish nationals. Some members of the European parliaments, former western diplomats, reporters and human rights activists were among the victims of Israel's brutal act.

I don't believe that anywhere near 100 commandos were on that ship, but please name anyone other than the nine Turkish nationals who was killed in that operation.

No, you can't. And you certainly can't name any Western diplomats who were killed either.

Labels: Asia2Gaza convoy, Gaza plenty, Iran, Mavi Marmara

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:34 AM