Syria sends aid to Gaza
2009-01-03 20:02
Damascus - A convoy of 11 lorries laden with 230 tonnes of food and medical products left Syrian territory on Saturday for the Gaza Strip, the Sana official news agency reported.
The aim of the mission is to "help the Palestinian people who are suffering from the unjust blockade imposed by the Israeli occupier", Bashar Shaar, secretary of state for Red Crescent (emergency health services) matters, was quoted by Sana as saying.
It was the second convoy sent to Gaza from Syria since Israel began its deadly bombardment of the impoverished territory a week ago. Vehicles carrying 50 tonnes of medical aid and blankets left Syria three days ago, the minister said.
Syrian authorities on Wednesday announced a campaign to collect donations for Gaza, on the orders of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
- AFP