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.