3:59pm Tuesday 3rd February 2009
By James Rush
An ambulance filled with equipment will form part of a convoy from Bradford to Gaza.
The convoy is part of Viva Palestina, a national initiative in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Trucks full of medicine and practical aid will also form part of the convoy raised through the generosity of Bradford people.
The convoy’s leader, Respect MP George Galloway, was in Bradford for the project’s official unveiling.
Arshad Ali, Stop the War co-ordinator and member of Viva Palestina, said up to 30 volunteers from Bradford would travel with the convoy to help build schools, hospitals and homes in Gaza.
He said: “This really has been an effort of people in Bradford regardless of religion and political persuasion.
“Until the blockades are down we need to provide some sort of aid to those people so they can drink water and eat, otherwise they are going to starve. I will be taking my shovel so I can go and help – there’s people sitting down there in rubble.”
The convoy will include a British fire engine, ambulances and dozens of trucks full of practical aid.
It will leave London on Saturday, February 14, and travel for 16 days through France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and through Rafah into Gaza.
Mr Ali said: “Of course we do think about the people of Israel as well but Israel is a self-sufficient country with the resources to look after themselves.”
To donate money or goods contact Mr Ali on 07957 444428 or go to vivapalestina.org.
e-mail: james.rush@telegraphandargus.co.uk
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