Tittle Tattle in The Guardian - George Galloway's office responds.

From Rob Hoveman, House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A0AA

Re: Guardian article March 3, ' Galloway's Gaza mission runs into protests'

It says everything we need to know about cynical journalism (March 3) that the first time the Guardian chooses to cover the Viva Palestina convoy of aid to Gaza - an epic journey of over 5,000 miles - it is to repeat as fact tittle tattle culled from the blogosphere.

Two hundred and eighty people have driven through eight different countries to deliver over a million pounds of aid to the stricken people of Gaza. Everywhere we have been, the convoy has been greeted with thousands of well-wishers who have provided food, fuel and accommodation.

The Algerian government allowed passage across the border with Morocco for the first time in 15 years. In Tunisia we were joined by six of the people who the Lancashire police wrongly arrested and detained, preventing them reaching London for the start of the journey.

In Libya we were celebrated by thousands on the streets and a Libyan charity, inspired by the convoy, has established its own convoy of trucks to Gaza.

We are currently negotiating entry into Egypt and passage through to Gaza. The Egyptian authorities are doing everything they can to assist the process and we are in their hands, as we have been with all the other governments whose countries we have crossed in order to take these vital supplies into Gaza.

The Viva Palestina convoy and the achievements of the 280 volunteers who have driven so far deserve celebration, not denigration by The Guardian.

Rob Hoveman
Assistant to George Galloway MP
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA

From the Viva Palestina Messages Page

"We're beginning to learn the truth. Thank you convoy for your efforts." - Gerry, Canada

"Solidarity greetings from Sweden." - Aant, Goteborg, Sweden

"My best wishes to George and all the Viva Palestina participants, organisers.donors and well wishes. A special salutation to George for his grand Project and his lionhearted courage and his motivation to bring the convoy to Gaza a huge success." - Abdool Rashid.

"I wanted to send a further donation to help towards the construction materials the convoy can collect from Egypt for Gaza. What you are doing is an inspiration. Many blessings to you all." -Mary, Cornwall

"You are an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts and hearts are with you and all the Palestinians. We are more hopeful than ever that Palestine will be free in our lifetime!" Love from Barbara and Douglas , London

"My heart goes out to the people of Palestine, I know it's not much but I hope it goes someway towards helping." - E Scott, Galashiels

"To the Children of Palestine. God bless you and stay strong!
Help is coming!" - Nadia, Hatfield