An aid convoy carrying medical supplies to Gaza from Bradford is having to turn back to Syria after being denied entry into Egypt.

Members of the Viva Palestina group, which includes 45 Bradford people, had begun a hunger strike in protest at the decision but called it off after mediation talks reached a deal.

More than 400 people from 17 countries are travelling in the 150-vehicle convoy, which is taking medical, humanitarian and educational aid to people in Gaza.

But after nearly 3,000 miles across Europe and the Middle East they were forced to stop in the Jordanian port town of Aqaba.

Earlier this week news came through to Bradford supporters that the Egyptians had laid down certain terms for allowing the convoy access to Gaza via the Rafah crossing.

Conditions included that the convoy must travel through Syria before going into Gaza, get permission from Israel to enter Gaza and hand over all goods and vehicles to the United Nations Works and Reliefs Agency.

Arshad Ali, who is leading the Bradford convoy, said in a text message home: “We have to go back to Syria – another three days added to our journey. Thanks to everyone for your solidarity. It meant a lot to us all.”

A message from another traveller on the Twitter social networking site read: “Back to Syria means 700km back northwards by road, means a long, hard drive and means additional fuel costs. Plus five days wasted in Aqaba!”

The agreement came after a Turkish mediator reached a deal with the Egyptian consul in Aqaba.

The convoy is now heading back to the Syrian port of Latakia to sail from there in a Turkish-funded charter vessel for a 19-hour trip to the Egyptian Mediterranean port of El Arish, and then on to Gaza.