BBC on Arrests of Volunteers on Valentine's Day Convoy

'British convoy preparing to leave London for Gaza
A convoy of 110 vehicles is leaving London for Gaza to deliver £1m of humanitarian aid. Hundreds of volunteers will act as drivers during the mission, which is organised by umbrella body Viva Palestina and backed by Muslim groups.
Police confirmed that vehicles stopped on the M65 as part of an anti-terror operation were part of the convoy. Its 5,000-mile route will pass through France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.

Lancashire Constabulary said several vehicles stopped near Preston were part of the mission. Three men are currently being held and are being questioned in connection with alleged terrorism offences overseas.

'Beleaguered population'
The Gaza Strip is facing a humanitarian crisis following Israel's recent three-week offensive. About half of Gaza's population is dependent on UN food aid.

Other backers of the mission include the Stop the War Coalition, the Respect Party, the Anglo-Arab Organisation and several UK trade unions. It will include 12 ambulances, a boat and trucks full of medicines, tools, clothes, blankets and shoe-boxes as well as gifts for children.

Mr Galloway said it would be the largest convoy of British vehicles to north Africa since the days of Field Marshal Montgomery. "There is an intifada sweeping Britain," he added. "It is a massive and peaceful movement in support of the beleaguered population of Gaza and Palestine."

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