NZ activists set sail with aid for Gaza

Nicci Enchmarch. Photo / Supplied

Six New Zealand humanitarian workers are taking to the Mediterranean waters where nine people were killed by Israeli soldiers as their flotilla tried to break the Gaza blockade in May.

An international aid convoy of about 400 people and 150 trucks carrying medical and other supplies has travelled in three groups from England, North Africa and the Arab east and linked up in Syria. The convoy was yesterday loaded onto ships on the Mediterranean.

The New Zealand contingent, Kia Ora Gaza, includes Nicci Enchmarch, who was on the Turkish flotilla ship Mavi Marmara during May's fatal boarding.

Their destination is the Egyptian port of Al-Arish, 19km from the Rafah Gate, the only land entrance to Gaza not under Israel's control.

Kia Ora Gaza co-organiser Grant Morgan said it took a battle of wills before they were granted safe passage.

"This is a history-making convoy because Egypt's back door to Gaza has been well and truly pushed open by the convoy's huge size, sheer determination and international support."

- NZPA