Arrival of international aid convoy to Gaza delayed

British MP George Galloway, who leads the 250-vehicle convoy, told reporters that they had to return to Syria after Egypt insisted that the group must enter through the Mediterranean port of El-Arish, which is closer to the Gaza border, instead of the city of Nuweiba on the Red Sea.
More than 400 members of the convoy, including a 85-year-old Holocaust survivor, Hedy Epstein, went on hunger strike to protest against the move.
According to the agreement with Egypt, the convoy should arrive to El-Arish by January 3, 2010. A border crossing with Gaza will be opened in the next three days. The group will be allowed only a 48-hour stay in Gaza.
The participants also plan a non-violent march from Northern Gaza towards the Erez border crossing with Israel, calling for Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza, Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version.