Rafah - Egypt deployed some 500 policemen at the borders with the Gaza Strip Saturday, ahead of a planned a march organised by Hamas in the enclave, a high-ranking security source said. The move to secure the border came amid fear that the protesters might try to enter Sinai, the source added. The protesters are calling on the Egyptian government to open the Rafah crossing three months after it was closed, pushing the number of stranded Palestinians to around 5,000. Earlier Saturday, authorities made an exception in opening the crossing to allow a South African delegate to pass into Gaza. Israel and Egypt closed the Gaza Strip's borders after Hamas took control of the territory's security forces in 2007. Egypt was criticised for keeping the border closed during Israel's three-week offensive on the strip last year, which left more than 1,300 Palestinians and 13 Israelis dead. Meanwhile, a coalition bringing together a number of international organizations, spearheaded by the European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza (ECESG), is preparing to send a relief flotilla of more than ten ships and cargo-boats will sail to Gaza Monday. "This huge convoy will carry ready-to-fix houses and aid this month. It will be accompanied by European parliamentarians, media men, clebrities and activists in a bid to break the blockage against the Gaza Strip," said Ibrahim Arafat, the head of the ECESG. He added in a statement that international TV outlets would join the convoy, which would be aired live on Euronews TV channel. In addition to the ECESG, the coalition comprised of the Turkey-based IHH (Insani Yardim Vakfi) organization, the Greek Ship to Gaza campaign, the Swedish Ship to Gaza campaign, and the Free Gaza Movement, will take part in the convoy. "Any attacks or violations against the ships sailing to Gaza from the Israel occupation forces will be screened to the whole world," the statement said. Over 500 passengers from more than 20 countries will take part, and 5,000 tonnes of cargo, including cement, prefabricated housing, other building materials, medical equipment, and educational supplies will be delivered to the Israeli-blockaded strip. "The coalition invites organisations and individuals from around the world to join the effort by providing supplies for Gaza and contributing financial support for the mission," the statement added. Israel closed the Gaza Strip's borders after the Islamic movement Hamas took control of the territory's security forces in 2007. British MP and activist George Galloway, who headed three convoys for Viva Palestina aid agency, was informed by Egyptian foreign ministry officials on Thursday he was not welcome' in Egypt after activists who joined him to send an aid convoy to Gaza clashed with police last year. This decision followed collisions between activists with the Viva Palestina convoy and police forces in the port town of El-Arish , 45 kilometres from the Gaza border.
