Islander Still Held Up on Convoy (updated)

See comments at the bottom for update to the story

Whilst we’re struggling to move around the Island due to the heavy snow and ice, do spare a thought for Islander Peter Venner who is still taking part in an international convoy, having driven thousands of miles to deliver aid for those in need in Gaza.

Gaza Convoy Still Held UpBack in November last year, Peter set off from the Island to join the Viva Palestina Convoy. The convoy is made up of 450 members of 220 trucks and ambulances and aims to deliver vital medical supplies.

Just before Christmas the convoy was forced to make a detour to Damascus after the Egyptian authorities refused to let them use Nuweiba as a gateway to Gaza via Rafa.

We’re told that the Israelis had threatened that international waters to Gaza could not be used, with reports that they’ve previously used gunboats and fired upon international aid delivering ships contrary to international laws governing use of the high seas.

There are also reports that people on the convoy have had passports taken from them.

At a time when we’re probably all very much thinking about our own situations, hearing news like this really puts things into perspective.

We hope you’ll join us in wishing Peter and others on the convoy the safest of journeys and look forward to seeing him home soon.