Jordanian activists, aid convoy denied entry into Egypt 

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) The professional associations on Thursday said Egypt has refused to allow their Gaza-bound humanitarian aid convoy to enter its territories.

“With great regret, we received the news that Egypt does not intend to allow the aid convoy to go through its territory to Gaza. We are surprised and saddened by this decision,” Professional Associations Council President Ahmad Armouti told The Jordan Times.

Activists had originally intended to travel from Aqaba to the Egyptian port city of Nuweibeh before heading by land to the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip.

Armouti said the professional associations have been trying to express their solidarity with Gazans and called on the government to exert all diplomatic efforts possible to allow the convoy entry.

“Despite the refusal, we will continue all efforts to reach Gaza. Egypt should shoulder its historic responsibility and allow activists into its territories,” he added.

Meanwhile, president of the Gaza convoy committee Wael Saqa said the activists will not leave Aqaba until the convoy reaches its destination, adding that Egyptian officials promised to continue talks on the issue.

“We have been informed that the trip will not be allowed but we will not return to Amman and will continue our efforts to raise awareness on the suffering of Gazans,” he told the Jordan Times.

Saqa said several activities will be organised in Aqaba over the next few days in attempt to “pressure” Egypt to allow them entry.

Officials at the foreign ministry were unavailable for comment.

The convoy, which includes some 150 activists and 25 trucks carrying basic humanitarian aid, left Amman on Tuesday in hopes of crossing to the Egyptian port of Nuweibeh on Wednesday.