Jonathon Crockett, Eanna O'Donaghaile, Danny Doyle, Eddie Mc Bride and Derek McChrystal have driven 5,000 miles from Derry with an ambulance filled with medical aid as part of a 220 strong convoy.

Last week they were prevented from crossing the Egyptian border sparking international outcry.

Speaking from Latacia in Syria, Jonathon Crockett told the 'Sunday Journal' of the group's plans over the coming hours.

He said: "We have got a cargo ship which set sail on New Year's Day afternoon on a 20-hour crossing to Al-Arish. The ferry cargo ship only allows 12 people on board with the supplies. These people are crucial to minding the vehicles and ensuring a safe entry into Egypt. The remaining 450 people will fly on chartered airplanes to Al-Arish and arrive on Sunday afternoon before the boats, and hopefully we will get out to the port without trouble before the boats arrive."

The group expect to be 25 kilometres from Gaza by this afternoon, although there are fears of aggression as they reach the border.

"The last time the convoy was there, they got stones thrown at their vehicles, and physical abuse from the Egyptian police," said Jonathon.
"We expect the same and will draw up strategies to deal with these possiblities. It's hard to beat down a man that has driven 5,000 miles through all lands and seas, fuelled by a tidal wave of great support. The Egyptians will need more than fists to block our entry, though we will not provoke them. Let's hope for the best and expect the worst.
"Once we enter Al-Arish there will be an inevitable 2-3 day delay and possibly more. Rumours suggest the Rafah crossing into Gaza is open from the 3rd to the 5th. Hopefully and ideally, we will enter on the 3rd, spend a couple of days in Gaza building up contacts of support and be able to fly home from Sharm el Sheik on the 6th January although this is doubtful. We are prepared for the worst, but live in hope."

Meanwhile, the Derry Anti-War Coalition yesterday called on local political parties and organisations to raise their voices to demand that the Derry's Gaza 5 and the Viva Palestina convoy be allowed to enter Gaza with the tons of medical aid they have carried from Europe.
The anti war campaign group has also called for support for its 14 members charged for their occupation of the Raytheon plant at Springtown last January.

A spokesperson said: "The occupation was sparked by the use of Raytheon weapons in the Israeli attack on Gaza. The cause was the same – solidarity with the people of Gaza."

The DAWC 14 are due to appear in court next Monday, 11th January, when a date for their trial will be set.

The Gaza 5 left Derry on December 4th in an ambulance packed with medical supplies and joined with a convoy in London two days later. By Christmas Eve, when it reached the port of Aqaba in Jordan, it had grown to almost 500 people in 250 vehicles. At that point, it was on schedule to reach Gaza on December 27th, the anniversary of the assault on Gaza.

However, the convoy was refused passage across the Red Sea by the Egyptian authorities, and forced to turn back through Jordan and Syria to take ship to Egypt. But this solution, imposed by the Egyptian authorities, has come at a cost.

The spokesperson continued: "This has meant chartering three ferries and a plane at huge cost. Moreover, our five representatives may have to book new flights home. We are launching an immediate appeal to raise funds to cover this unexpected expense.

"In the meantime, we ask for support for our members facing serious charges as a result of their action in support of the people of Gaza."