Cairo: A delegation representing Arab entertainment unions on Thursday moved through Egypt's Rafah border crossing into the Gaza Strip to show support for the impoverished enclave, which has been through almost four years of Israeli blockade.
"The visit of the delegation, which represents Arab artists, sends a message to the people of Gaza that we support them in breaking the siege," said Ashraf Zaki, the chairman of the Egyptian Actors' Union before leaving Cairo along with 19 other Arab colleagues.
Egypt has been opening the Rafah crossing with Gaza over the past 11 days, with officials saying that it will remain open unless security violations are made. "Our visit to Gaza mainly aims at emphasising Arab solidarity with the people there," said Adel Boutabian, the representative of the Kuwaiti actors in the delegation.
He said they would hold a meeting in Gaza where they would recommend producing Arab TV and cinema works "to expose the bitter realities of the Gaza's people".
A convoy carrying humanitarian aid will be soon be launched by around 1,000 Arab actors to Gaza, according to organisers.
Egypt has allowed several aid convoys across the Rafah crossing since Israel raided a Gaza-bound flotilla on May 31.
