Salmond steps in over medical supplies red tape

Published on Monday 4 August 2008 10:56

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond is to write to authorities in Egypt and Israel to secure a passage for a Scots couple hoping to deliver medical supplies to Gaza.

Linda Willis and her partner Khalil Al Niss spent more than ten days travelling across Europe with the van-load of medical supplies donated by the people of Scotland destined for a hospital in the blockaded confrontational zone on the border of Egypt and the Palestinian territories.

But despite this, Ms Willis, 51, who works as a practice nurse in Edinburgh, and her partner were denied entry to Gaza by Egyptian authorities.

Miss Willis said: "We've taken what most people would consider basic medical supplies, but they're luxuries for doctors – things like medication for diabetes, heart conditions and antibiotics.

"A lot of MSPs have been very supportive but to have the First Minister's support should hopefully resolve the issue."

Miss Willis has now had to return home because of work and family commitments, while Mr Al Niss, 49, a delivery driver, has vowed to stay in Egypt as long as it takes.

A spokesman for the First Minister said: "We will be writing to the Egyptian and Israeli ambassadors to ask them to allow this humanitarian aid into Gaza."

The Foreign Office has also been in contact with Miss Willis, but said it cannot interfere with border controls in another country.