Irishman hurt in Gaza convoy standoff

TWELVE Irish people have been caught up in violence between Egyptian police and members of a convoy bringing humanitarian aid destined for Gaza, with their families concerned that they are entering “a war zone”.

One member of the Viva Palestina Aid Convoy, David Curran from Cork, received minor head wounds when hit in the head with a rock after clashes between the Egyptian authorities and members of the group last night at the Egyptian port of El Arish.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said 12 Irish citizens are part of the convoy, which is carrying a consignment of humanitarian aid intended for people in Gaza. The group left in December and travelled overland, but was then not granted access through El Arish.

Negotiations between the convoy members and the Egyptian police broke down on Tuesday, sparking a violent confrontation and reports of tear gas and water cannons being used.

Last night one convoy member, John Hurson, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, described it as “a very tense scene” and said Mr Curran required six stitches in a head wound. He denied that gates had been rammed at the port.

Yesterday the convoy, comprising 517 people from 25 countries, was allowed access to Gaza through Rafah, but they had to proceed without the 59 vehicles for which the Egyptian authorities had refused permission to proceed.

Also in the convoy are Cork women Caoimhe Butterly and Kate O’Sullivan.

Kate sister’s Rachel said her family wasn’t just worried about the events in El Arish but by the scene that could await the convoy in Rafah.

An Egyptian policeman was killed at the border yesterday from shots fired from the Gaza side, after two Palestinians were earlier shot and wounded by Egyptian soldiers. The clashes in Rafah could make the route through for the convoy members even more dangerous.