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ITF speeds aid to Gaza (Updated)
6 January 2009
The ITF has acted to get relief aid through to the people of Gaza. ITF Representative for the Arab World Bilal Malkawi will accompany a cargo of vital medical supplies purchased by the Federation that will leave Jordan on Thursday as part of a shipment being sent with the support of Jordan’s General Trade Union of Workers in Air Transport and Tourism. The ITF-affiliated union has been collecting essential supplies for transport on Royal Jordanian planes, and further relief flights will follow.
Distribution of the food and medical supplies will be handled in Gaza by the Red Crescent, and the ITF, in coordination with the Air Transport and Tourism union in Jordan, is liaising with the Egyptian government to gain permission to transship the load via Al-Areesh in Egypt.
Bilal Malkawi explained: “We have lists of what is most urgently needed thanks to medical friends who have spoken with their counterparts in Gaza. Mostly non-perishable items: examination tables, beds, wheelchairs, swabs, casts and splints for broken limbs. We will be sending bottled water as well, since there is no water and food there. Also milk for babies, rice, wheat, and children's food.”
ITF General Secretary David Cockroft added: “With the essential help of Jordanian and other unions we’re trying to get vital supplies into Gaza, where they are desperately needed. But alongside that need is an even more urgent one for a cessation of hostilities. An immediate ceasefire is the only way ahead.”
He added: “We would like to thank Samer Majali, Chief Executive of Royal Jordanian Airlines, who has donated the use of an Airbus 310, which is big enough for us all to have included an ambulance alongside the other aid.”
Update, Wednesday 7 January
Clearance for tomorrow's flight has been received today from the Egyptian authorities. Bilal Malkawi and Jordanian trade unionists will be working throughout the night to pack the plane, whose load now includes three ambulances in addition to the other medical and food supplies.
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