Latest Message from Khalil (Monday 18 August) - He is in Jordan and has contacted a charity there who sends convoys of aid to Gaza.
Leaving the Border by Eva Bartlett
After nearly one month of waiting at the Rafah crossing for Egyptian (Israeli) authorities to give permission to take the van full of medicine to Gaza, and after countless meetings and forms, today, Friday, at 12 noon, Khalil arrived at the Rafah crossing to take the van away.
The Egyptian authorities repeatedly refused any and all suggestions regarding delivering the medical supplies, whether through the Rafah crossing, the Kerem Abu Salem crossing (Kerem Shalom), or via the Egyptian Red Crescent. That, along with the declaration by Israeli authorities, via the PA embassy representative, that there was 'no way the van would ever cross through Kerem Abu Salem' led Khalil to decide, with no other option, to take the van from the crossing and begin the journey home.
Egyptian authorities presented many and varied the beauracratic excuses to justify their refusal to allow entrance to the medicine. The latest was that the medicine was not accounted for in an item by item list. As the medicine was donated by various generous supporters in the UK, Al Niss and Willis did not have one list with receipts to present to Egyptian authorities. Yet Egyptian authorities refused the suggestion to have a third party, like the Egyptian Red Crescent, unload and supervise the itemizing of the medical supplies.
Khalil described his huge disappointment and frustration at not even being allowed to pass the medical supplies over to Red Crescent authorities to send to Gaza. On Thursday, Khalil had met with the Rafah customs authorities, based in Al Arish, to discuss this possible hand-over of the medical cargo. He left the office with an document approved and signed by Ismail Abbas, the former General Manager of Customs in Rafah, now a Manager in the Arish branch, as well as by Khalil Attala Khalil, the Assistant to the Customs Minister. The document authorized the hand-over of the medical supplies, from Khalil al Niss to the Red Crescent, with a further stipulation that the RC would do their utmost to ensure the medicine was sent to Palestinian land, meaning Gaza.
Egytian customs authorities at the Rafah crossing itself vetoed the order flat-out, stating that Khalil was not authorized to unload the van and give its contents to anyone else. Yet Abbas countered that "if anyone has a customs paper in his/her name, he/she has the right to give the cargo to whoever is specified on that paper. Then the contents belong to the recipient." Abbas, extremely forthcoming and helpful, was in the end no match for Egyptian bureaucracy, and Egypt's determination to show deference to Israel rather than allow humanitarian aid in through any legal means.
Following Thurday's promise and disappointment, Khalil informed Gaza-based Dr. Khamis, the doctor Linda and Khalil had coordinated with to deliver the medicine to. Khalil was again told that whenever the medicine got into Gaza, it would be very welcome, still urgently needed.
Which brings us to Friday, what seemed to be the end of the long, fruitless effort to bring aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
After over an hour's wait, Egyptian authorities finally produced the paper releasing the van from its parked position at the border. The release paper stipulates Khalil must drive the van back to the Nuweiba border crossing and cannot unload it at any point in Egypt.
Even without that stipulation, it would be impossible to open and unload the van, as it had been locked by Egyptian border officials upon arrival at Nuweiba nearly one month ago. The border officials also send a Police guard, to ensure Khalil drove to Nuweiba and left the country.
About 20 km away from Rafah the van stalled, technical problems. Three hours later, problems fixed, Khalil continued the drive back to Al Arish.
But, during this delay, one branch of Egyptian intelligence, the Mokhabarat, called Khalil to ask what his rush was. After 26 days at the closed Rafah crossing, and unccounted appeals to allow the medicine in, the man had the gall to imply Khalil was rushing off without due process. It need not be reiterated that he had been told by Egyptian officials he would not cross via Kerem Abu Salem.
Haithem, the Mokhabarat officer, suggested Khalil wait around another 3 weeks, as Kerem Abu Salem might open to goods going into Gaza.
This seems to be a very poor attempt by the Egyptian authorities to insinuate that Khalil and Linda aborted their humanitarian effort due to lack of interest. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In calling their bluff, Khalil will consider this dangling carrot, this false offer of the Kerem Abu Salem possibility. But I don't think he is too crazy about carrots.
 First Minister intervenes in Gaza aid row - Scottish TV report: view here
Update
(TUESDAY August 5th, 9.55am)
- Alex Salmond, Scotland's First Minister, to urge Egyptian and Israeli authorities to allow the medicines to be delivered to Gaza.
Salmond in bid to help Scots take medical aid into Gaza (The Herald)
Salmond steps in over medical supplies red tape (Edinburgh Evening News)
Scottish demonstration: End the Siege of Gaza
End UK support for Israel!
Egypt - stand up to Israel!
Sunday August 10th 2pm, assemble Mound Precinct on Princes Street
more info
Update from Eva Bartlett
(MONDAY August 4th)
"Today, Monday, 15 Palestinians were allowed through the crossing. All were either medical cases or supporting medical cases/having medical-related permission.
About as many were turned back from the border, not having the permission and coordination to pass through.
Khalil was summoned there to present to border officials his documents, specifically the document showing his customs permit from entry at Nuweiba.
He was then told that border officials know as much as he does; in other words, they are waiting for the authorization from Egyptian intelligence. Still.
There is still hope that the mounting pressure due to the Boat Solidarity action and Khalil's continued presence at the border, and the Sunday demonstrations in Rafah and Scotland, will amount to consent to open the Rafah border."
 Update
(WEDNESDAY July 30th 11am)
Linda is returning to Edinburgh today. She is already a week late in returning to work. Khalil remains at the Rafah-Gaza border still hoping to deliver the medical supplies.
July 29 - Bill Wilson MSP press release
July 28 - Sandra White MSP submits a motion to the Scottish Parliament
Contact your MSP and ask them to sign this motion -
Use your postcode to find contact details for your MSP
July 25 - Scottish MSPs (Member of the Scottish Parliament) send a letter to Egyptian authorities urging them to allow Linda, Khalil and the medicines into Gaza.
Other MSPs supporting Linda and Khalil: Shirley-Anne Somerville, Ian McKee, Hugh O’Donnell, Dr Richard Simpson, Rob Gibson, Joe FitzPatrick, Kenneth Gibson, Bashir Ahmad, Brian Adam, Dr Bill Wilson, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, George Foulkes, Robin Harper, Margo Macdonald, Malcolm Chisholm, Mike Pringle.
Latest articles
Nine days at the closed gates of Rafah By Eva Bartlette (Daily News Egypt)
Scots couple’s mercy mission is blocked again (Sunday Herald)
Gaza mission stuck at border (The Scotsman)
Red tape hold-up for Scottish mercy mission
Also see Eva Bartlett's blog for other interviews and updates - "Linda and Khalil meet with Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) members Ramzy Rabah and Saleh Zeidan, who spoke of the recent problems in Gaza, highlighting the need for and importance of Palestinian unity." read more
by: Carlos Latuff
Scottish couple barred from delivering medical supplies at Gaza’s Rafah crossing
by Eva Bartlett, Daily News Egypt, July 21, 2008
Linda, a nurse in Scotland, explained the coordination with Gaza’s doctors: “We spoke with a doctor in one of Gaza’s hospitals. He’s desperate for the medicine and equipment we’re bringing. He’s particularly thrilled about the endotracheal tubes used in surgery that we are bringing as he says they are re-using the only tubes they have right now.” read full article
Update
(TUESDAY JULY 22nd 8.30am) Still no permission to enter Gaza. The van is at Rafah-Gaza border. For more pictures taken by Iman Badawi, Egyptian journalist with Islam Online: http://www.islamonline.net/English/IWitness/YourShots/2008/07/14.shtml
Latest Update from Rafah
(MONDAY JULY 21st 5.03pm) Khalil and Linda are still waiting in El Arish waiting for permission from Cairo to deliver the Scottish medicines to the people of Gaza.
Supporters have sent emails and telephoned the Egyptian Consulate in the UK. If you have received 'undelivered' messages when trying to send emails please try the following email addresses:
Egyptian Consulate Press Office:
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or
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SAMPLE LETTERS TO EGYPTIAN EMBASSY
*******, ******
Sent: 21 July 2008 16:45
To: '
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'; '
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'
Subject: Please help to get these Scottish medicines through to Gaza
Dear Sir
I am writing to ask you to use your good offices to expedite the delivery of medicines that I and many others in Scotland collected to deliver to the desperate people of Palestine.
Khalil Al Niss and Linda Willis left Scotland on Thursday, July 10th and arrived yesterday at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
I must stress that they, and the Palestinians, enjoy great sympathy here in Scotland, where more and more people know that over 200 Palestinian patients have died in the past 12 months as a result of the siege for lack of medication or for not being allowed to leave the Gaza Strip for medical treatment.
The van with its cargo of medicine is urgently needed in Gaza. It has travelled across Europe and the Middle East to Egypt’s Rafah border with Gaza. As you know, the Israeli siege is causing critical shortages of all medical supplies, needless deaths and immense suffering. Archbishop Desmond Tutu recently visited Gaza and called Israel’s siege an ‘abomination’.
Please do not allow this delivery to be delayed any further.
We expect Egyptians to help the people of Gaza, not work to enforce Israel’s brutal siege.
Yours faithfully
Mick Napier
Scottish PSC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please continue sending your messages.
Dear Sir,
There are many Scots here in Scotland who stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, and deplore the unfair siege that is imposed on the whole population. And it is with the spirit of charity and humanity that many well-meaning Scots have sent more than a tonne of medicines with a couple named Khalil and Linda to the people of Gaza (many of whom have already died due to lack of medicines because of the unjust siege).
I write to you at the consulate because word has reached me that the medicines (and Khalil and Linda) have been barred from entering Gaza from the Rafah border point. Most disgracefully, the ones preventing the aid from reaching the innocent people of Gaza are not the Israelis in this case, but the Egyptian border police. I find it inexcusable that Egypt, (an Arab, predominantly Muslim country, and whose people are 100% in support of human rights and Palestinians' basic rights) should act so brazenly against the will of its own people, and against the basic human rights of innocent Palestinians, by helping Israel in enforcing this deadly siege.
I implore you to take actions to lift this siege. Allow the medicines through to Gaza. These medicines were driven to Rafah all the way from Scotland, do not let the good will and efforts of us in Scotland to go to waste. More importantly, do not sit idly by while more people needlessly die, go hungry, or go sick. Do not think that those responsible for this tragedy will escape accountability.
Looking forward to your positive actions,
Sincerely,
Mohammad Al-Ashqar
Edinburgh University Palestine Solidarity Society
From:
Text and call with your support for Linda 00 44 (0)7952878377 and Khlalil 00 44 (0)796 00 87 000
or email
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and we will forward your messages to Linda and Khalil.
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Scottish Medicines for Gaza now in Egyptian Rafah
(SUNDAY JULY 20th 4.45pm) The 1.5 tons of medicines from Scotland to Gaza are now a few metres outside the gate into Gaza at Rafah on the Egyptian side of the Israeli-built wall that has enclosed the peopleof this area, mainly refugees, for decades.
The Egyptian authorities in Rafah are refusing entry of the medicines to Gaza and are now demanding that Khalil and Linda drive the van away from their destination towards El Arish. They are threatening to load the van onto a truck and impound van and medicines.
Khalil and Linda, who have overcome may obstacles on the road from Scotland to Rafah to deliver these medicines, are refusing to drive the medicines away from the gate through the Wall into Rafah.
Please text and call with your support for Linda (00 44 (0)7952878377) and Khlalil 00 44 (0)796 00 87 000
Also write and/or call
Egyptian Prime Minister:
Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Mohammed Nazif
Phone: (202) 7958014/35/36
Fax: (202) 7356449 - 7958016
Website: http://www.cabinet.gov.eg
Egyptian Interior Minister
General Habib Ibrahim Habib El Adly
Phone: (202) 7948308 - 7984300
Fax: (202) 7945529
At the Egyptian Embassy in London, please email Mr Amr Al Shams at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
07852 337 210
If he is unavailable, you can also try a very polite young man I just spoke to on 07950912304
(020) 7235 9719 Consulate General
(020) 7409 2236 Press and Information Office
Wednesday 16 July - Linda & Khalil hold press conference in main square in Istanbul
Friends in Turkey, the Association of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, organised a press conference in the main square in the centre of Istanbul.
Tuesday 15 July - Linda & Khalil held up at the Bulgaria-Turkish border
Turkish authorities have told Linda and Khalil that they cannot enter Turkey.
After some hours at the border the authorities finally allow them through. This is largely thanks to friends in Netherlands, Turkey, Egypt and Gaza who helped in getting the right permission for the medicines from Scotland to Gaza being allowed through.
Sunday 13 July - Linda & Khalil denied entry into Croatia
The Croatian authorities have refused Linda and Khalil entry to pass through Croatia. They have had to go back and go through Budapest, Bucharest and then Turkey. The change of schedule will set them back 2 days.
Media/News Coverage:
Holiday choice is a real hotspot, 10 July 2008 By Gareth Edwards, Evening News
From Scotland to Gaza in Solidarity, 10 July 2008, IslamOnline.net & Newspapers
The Journal of Turkish Weekly
American Muslim Association of North America
A Palestinian-Scottish couple are driving a ton and a half of urgently-needed medicines to Gaza, 2 July 2008 by George Rishmawi, The International Middle East Media Center
Thursday 10 July - Linda & Khalil leave for Gaza from the Scottish Parliament:
Supporters gather in front of the Scottis Parliament to give the van a send-off
Robin Harper MSP with members of Scottish PSC and Glasgow Palestine Human Rights Campaign
Wednesday 9 July - Loading the Van:
A Palestinian-Scottish couple are driving a ton and a half of urgently-needed medicines to Gaza on July 10th
Khalil is interviewed on Awaz FM: listen
Khalil and Linda with Margo McDonald MSP (above) and Sandra White MSP (below).
Khalil Al Niss and Linda Willis (website: www.gaza.tk) will take a van loaded with 1.5 tons of medical supplies from Scotland to Gaza, leaving from the Scottish Parliament at noon on Thursday, July 10th and arriving at the Rafah crossing in Egypt on Tuesday, July 15th. They will drive their precious cargo across Europe and the Middle East to Egypt’s border with Gaza, where Israel’s US- and EU- backed siege is causing critical shortages of all medical supplies, needless deaths and immense suffering.
Richard Falk, a noted Jewish-American and the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, has likened Israel’s cruel siege of Gaza to the behaviour of the Nazis. Archbishop Desmond Tutu recently visited Gaza and called Israel’s siege an ‘abomination’.
Khalil is originally from Jerusalem, Linda is a Scottish nurse. They are both taking time off work to make the journey.
Financial donations
Please send your donations to: The Dove and the Dolphin, Kiln Shotts, Haytor, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 9XR, England.
Remember to mark the envelope ‘Scotland to Gaza Medicine’.
Contact Khalil & Linda on 079600 87 000
or
Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign: 0131 620 0052,
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Use this letter to ask for support for the appeal for Scottish medical supplies to Gaza (pdf)
Video appeal by Khalil and Linda:
watch video
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July: Scotland to Gaza - End the Siege 
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