Egypt Blocking Former US Attorney General From Entering Gaza

He has recently been contacted and told they may be allowed through the blockade today.

Ramsey Clark Photo: openmediaboston.org

(EGYPT / SALEM, Ore.) - Ramsey Clark, former Attorney General of the US is at Egypt's border, held from entering Gaza along with Dr. Curtis Doebbler and Sarah Flounders of International Action Center.

Clark said that at first they were prevented from crossing, and held up at the border all day. "We were the only ones getting this special treatment, being held back," Clark said. "It was clear who we were."

Then they were told to leave, with no promise of returning, and no communication. However, within the last hour, the three travelers have been called back to the border and told they will be able to cross.

The reports of this event have already gone viral, with Americans showing shock at the behavior of Egypt. Many are surprised that Egypt would be dependent on the American government for this type of permission.

"It is very unusual," said Clark. "The uniformed officials at the border were generally friendly, and frankly frustrated. They couldn't understand the bureaucratic roadblock we were facing."

Clark has long been an outspoken supporter of civil rights and human rights, globally, though neither he or the others have been to Gaza before.

He played an important role in the history of the American Civil Rights movement, supervising the drafting and executive role in passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Now he is on the Egyptian border, at least temporarily blocked from entering Gaza under orders of the United States.

They say that all required protocols were followed on the Egyptian side, but once again Egypt has stepped up to play its own role in collaborating with Israel and blockading Gaza- a pattern not worth repeating.

Ramsey Clark has important work in Gaza, and offers no risk. He is travelling with Dr. Curtis Doebbler & Sarah Flounders of International Action Center. They will meet with leaders in the Gaza communities to discuss many needs, and to show their solidarity with the Gaza people.

It remains to be seen if these esteemed travelers will be allowed into Gaza, where 75% of the population is under the age of 25, with refugees making up over half of the residents. They clearly need all the help they can get, from experienced, well-intentioned people around the world.

For current updates on this situation, CLICK HERE