Food aid for Palestinians stopped at Rafah border

Manama: Medical supplies dispatched by Bahrainis and expatriate donors living in Bahrain have been delivered to recipients in blockaded Gaza, but other basic requirements have not been allowed through the Rafah border point, an activist has said.

"The crossing remained closed for days, but when it was opened for a short period of time, we were able to deliver the medical supplies to the people. Unfortunately, the foodstuff and much-needed blankets have been blocked," said Khalid Ameen Abdul Kareem, an activist with Al Eslah Society, a local NGO.

"We are all grateful to the people who have donated so generously and who have been supporting the people in Gaza during these critical times. We urge them to continue their efforts and we hope that others will join in the campaigns to assist the innocent victims who are in dire need of food and medical supplies in the war-torn area."

Pro-Gaza feelings are running high in Bahrain where locals and expatriates have staged rallies in solidarity with Palestinians and protested the air raids and invasion by the Israelis.

Hundreds of children made history on Friday by staging a demonstration in biting cold carrying Palestinian flags and chanting, "Saving Palestinian children from the fear, danger and uncertainty to which they are constantly and ominously exposed". The Bahrain Medical Society said that three Bahraini doctors were scheduled to leave for the Rafah border crossing.

Dr Aziz Hamza, undersecretary of the health ministry, said that hospitals in Bahrain were ready to take Palestinian patients.