All systems go for SA aid to be administered in the war ravaged Gaza strip.

Inspiring support received from all, including government.

By Tahir Sema

A Boeing 747 jumbo jet packed to capacity with humanitarian aid sent by the KwaZulu-Natal-based international humanitarian agency, Gift of the Givers, has reached the Gaza strip. The aid convoy along with a medical team of 26 South African doctors will assist thousands of civilians injured in the conflict torn region.

The convoy of aid and medical staff from South Africa entered through the infamous Rafah boarder crossing into Gaza Friday evening.

Gift of the Givers CEO, Imtiaz Sooliman said on Thursday “all indications were that a safe passage would be granted to the South African Aid package, because of the flurry of diplomatic activity and the demand by the international community for a safe humanitarian corridor and a ceasefire.”

Sooliman emphasized that “the South African aid did not come only from the Muslim community. It included aid from Cosatu, the SA Catholic Bishops Conference, the South African Council of Churches and the Anglican Church. This is a truly South African response.”

Foreign Affairs Director-General Ayanda Ntsaluba told journalists at a press conference in Pretoria a week ago that the government will be working with various humanitarian organisations such as the Gift of the Givers and the South African Council of Churches, to put together the aid package and secure a passage for the convoy to the conflict torn Gaza strip

According to Gift of the Givers founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman 90 tons valued at R17 million were taken aboard a jumbo jet. The jet was brought from Saudi Arabia to South Africa for the mission, making the mission the largest single haul of aid to be taken from South Africa to Gaza.

The aid that successfully reached the besieged Gaza strip is in the form of vital medical supplies, medical equipment, food, water purification tablets, energy supplements, generators for hospitals, wheelchairs, baby formula, an ambulance, a portable hospital, and a dedicated medical team of 26 South African doctors.

African National Congress Women’s League President Angie Motshega delivered inspiring words of motivation and support to the South African aid mission currently in Gaza, along with many other members of the women’s league who sent their admiration and support to the humanitarian team who were expected to be in the Gaza strip late Friday night.

Dr. Sooliman on Thursday said “we are grateful for the support we received from government officials and South Africans, as this mission would have not been possible without their help.”

He concluded by saying that “the Palestinians were well aware of the aid mission. The director of the Shifa hospital in Gaza, who is also the Palestinian Minister of Health had earlier been provided with a list of the SA specialists on the mission and would deploy them to areas most needed. “

The tremendous support received both locally and abroad for this very commendable mission organized and supported by ordinary people and the South African government, demonstrates the support for the people of Gaza around the world. The merciless attacks on the innocent have seen the world demonstrate and pledge their support in various ways, ranging from mere demonstrations to governments taking serious action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime committed against the Palestinian people.

This is not the end, the boycotts and utter disgust by the world will continue to be hurled against the ruthless and the rogue nations that create havoc. The Congress of South African Trade Union’s pledge to hold mass demonstrations all around the country in support of the people of Gaza. The trade union will also announce a boycott against Israeli goods next month.