A GALWAY medical couple who have travelled to Gaza to give humanitarian assistance are organizing the delivery of supplies to the region from the west of Ireland.
Treasa Ní Cheannabháin and her husband Dr Saber El Safty are to return to Ireland from Gaza this week and have received pledges of assistance from medical colleagues, businesses and individuals.
The couple, who are prominent supporters of the Galway Palestine Children’s Appeal, will oversee the loading of a 12 metre (40ft) container next week with medical equipment, children’s clothes and toys, household supplies and other items pledged by several Galway-based companies, retail outlets and individuals.
Ms Ní Cheannabháin came to national attention last year when, along with her daughter and niece, she was detained by Egyptian authorities on their return from a charity relief mission to Gaza.
Ms Ní Cheannabháin’s daughter, medical student Naisrin Elsafty and her Egyptian niece, Seham Elhotty, were released, but Ms Ní Cheannabháin’s situation required diplomatic intervention. Dr El Safty, a GP in Barna, Co Galway, and Ms Ní Cheannabháin received clearance to enter Gaza last week. Dr El Safty is from Egypt and was anxious to offer medical assistance to hospitals and orphanages.
The couple’s daughter, Róisín El Safty, a biochemist, said her parents had found conditions to be very difficult due to the level of destruction and the continued lack of running water.
“There has been a very positive response in Galway for help, and volunteers will be loading the container at the Black Box next Saturday,” Ms El Safty said.
Clothes and household equipment in good condition would be accepted. The Galway Palestine Children’s Appeal can be contacted at 087-9159787.