Canada Palestine Association, Vancouver and Voice of Palestine, Canada endorse the call by solidarity groups and civil society organizations to the Egyptian Military and government to immediately open the Rafah crossing. The crossing opening seems to be the last thing on the Egyptian military rulers’ agenda. Thousands of Palestinians are stranded at the Cairo airport, and all over the world. Some have gone on hunger strike and the last decision taken by the deposed Mubarak government was to ban Palestinians from entering Egypt.
Consequently, we call on you to sign the attached letter and fax and/or email it to the Egyptian embassy in Canada (or your country of residence). Demand action now.
Send letters in Canada to:
Wael Ahmed Kamal Aboul Magd,
Ambassador of Egypt to Canada
Fax: (613) 234 4937 & (613) 234 4398
Email: [email protected]
Or Phone: (613) 234 4931 & (613) 234 4935
Feb. 16, 2011
OPEN THE RAFAH CROSSING
The situation for the hundreds of Palestinian men, women and children in Egypt who have been trapped at the airport since Jan. 25, 2011, the beginning of the Egyptian Revolution, is dreadful and getting worse each day. Most people don’t have money for food or medicine. Some of them went on hunger strike for some days. The vulnerable are getting sicker and some are in urgent need of medical treatment. There are also more Palestinians waiting elsewhere in Egypt to cross into Gaza, not to mention those waiting in other countries.
It has come to our knowledge that on Feb.8, 2011, the deposed government issued new travel regulations with regard to Palestinians effective immediately and till further notice. The following categories of passengers are NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER EGYPT, even if they are holding visa or security approval or resident permits:
- Holders of Palestinian Passports.
- Holders of Jordanian Passports without national number.
- Travel documents for Palestinians issued by Egypt.
This is unacceptable. All the Palestinians at the airport and those using the Rafah Crossing, the only exit Gaza has to the external world, are civilians. Under the Geneva Conventions they are entitled to freedom of movement and protection from collective punishment.
The great sacrifices of the Egyptian people were for human rights and democracy. These demands are supported by all freedom loving people, who also oppose the suppression of Palestinians by Israel. It is time for the new rulers of Egypt to annul the decision taken by the previous government and open the Rafah Crossing immediately so that people and goods can pass.
OPEN THE RAFAH CROSSING NOW.
Signature,