As of Tuesday morning (July 30, 2024), GazaPassage has created a pathway for working with Israeli officials for security clearance for the GazaPassage Pilot participants.
The GazaPassage Pilot of 100 participants boasts a list with more than 200 potential participants, according to International Envoy Edward “Coach” Weinhaus.
On May 14, 2024, Coach and Abir ElZowidi wrote to the Israeli Security Cabinet demanding security clearance for the participants. They continue to pursue action from Israel.
According to GazaPassage Spokesman Christopher Bedell, “Our efforts since May have finally yielded a breakthrough in a tough challenge.”
Bedell noted that GazaPassage does not accept donations nor is it collecting any money from pilot participants. As for the next biggest challenge, Bedell noted, “Security clearance is only one step war zone logistics. Our end goal of peace and safety for non-combatants is now a step closer.”
Since Canada has increased its Pledge to 5,000 Gazans who have relatives in Canada. Coach confirmed that he has separately began gathering information of pilot participants with relatives in Canada to test the new security clearance process.
GazaPassage’s original press release related to the 100-person pilot can be found here.
GazaPassage’s second press release can be found here.
GazaPassage’s initial phases are listed below. GazaPassage accepts no donations.
Phase I: October 15, 2023 – Sending International Envoy to Israel
Phase II: GazaPassage Pledge created during Phase II (announced when Phase III)
Phase III: Dec: 2023 – Mission Bifurcation after Israel Says It Will Allow Gazans Back in the North
Phase IV: Jan 2024 Funding Model
Phase V: April 2024: Current Pilot Program
