[R-G] Canadian peace activists finally in Gaza

[Anthony Fenton]

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/640927

Canadian peace activists finally in Gaza
May 27, 2009
Oakland Ross
MIDDLE EAST BUREAU

GAZA CITY – A nine-member Canadian humanitarian delegation finally  
entered the Gaza Strip yesterday, after being held up at the Egyptian  
border for nearly four days.

"It was certainly an ordeal," Sandra Ruch of Toronto, the group's  
leader, said after arriving in Gaza City. "It's such a long process."

After being turned back at the border with Gaza three days in a row,  
the group was then questioned at their Egyptian hotel by Egyptian  
agents who identified themselves as "secret service," said Ruch.

Finally, the group was cleared to enter Gaza.

The Canadians are part of a larger Gaza initiative organized by  
CodePink, a U.S.-based organization that promotes peace efforts in  
Iraq, Afghanistan and Gaza.

The Canadians were bringing medical supplies and children's sports  
equipment. They also aim to focus world attention on the plight of  
Gaza's 1.5 million people, most of whom rely on international  
assistance to survive.

The border delay meant the trip would be a short one for many of the  
Canadians. Ruch said she would have to leave tomorrow. "It's so sad. I  
have so many people to see."

Israel controls most of Gaza's access to the outside world and has  
imposed a partial economic blockade on the territory, ruled by the  
militant Islamist group Hamas.