JEDDAH: A convoy of seven trailers full of humanitarian aid carrying a total of 170 tons of medical supplies, equipment and food items left for Gaza yesterday.
The so-called “Ground Bridge,” established by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on Jan. 3, is being conducted in collaboration with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and the relief mission of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
The aid conveys are expected to reach the Sinai Peninsula city Nuweiba by tomorrow after crossing the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry.
Once in Nuweiba the convoy will be met by the Egyptian and Palestinians aid workers who will queue the supplies for transit into Gaza at the Rafah crossing. “Last week there were a 300 tons shipped to Rafah, and the condition to which the people are in is miserable,” said Abdul Wahab Noor Wali, an OIC adviser.
“We met injured people at hospitals and medical centers in Egypt, some with amputated limbs. They don’t have enough food or medicine. They are in need of help. We need to stand by them.”
The aid includes blankets, food and medical supplies. Donations have come from companies and the World Assembly for Muslim Youth.
OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was present at the time of the convoy’s departure from Jeddah. The previous convoy with the 300 tons of aid left on Wednesday.
