The second "Artery of Life" humanitarian convoy arrived at the Egyptian side of the borders between Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and Egypt on Wednesday evening preparing to cross into Gaza, the pro-Hamas committee to defy the Israeli blockade said.

The committee said in a statement sent to reporters that the convoy arrived at the Egyptian side of Rafah border crossing, hoping that the Egyptian authorities will let the convoy to cross into the territory.

Hamdi Shaath, spokesman of the committee said that the convoy, which is led by the British member of the Common House George Galloway, drove on Monday through al-Ismaeleya city in Egypt heading to Rafah crossing.

"Together with Galloway, the humanitarian convoy will include 50 activists, including a former US Congress woman, four Jewish anti-Zionism Rabbis and a retired general in the US Army who served in Iraq," said Shaath.

He expressed hope that "Egypt would facilitate the movement and the crossing of the solidarity convoy into the Gaza Strip," adding" the convoy carries humanitarian aids to the besieged Gazans."

"Our committee has finalized all the preparations to receive the second convoy, including a full program for the visitors, including the places they will visit and the people they will meet," said Shaath.

Right after the end of the Israeli military offensive on the Gaza Strip that lasted for 22 days and ended in January 18, Galloway led the first "Artery of Life" convoy that managed to cross into the Gaza Strip.

Dozens of cars, caravans, trucks and ambulances loaded with humanitarian and medical aids were brought with Galloway to the Gaza Strip. Galloway held talks with Hamas leaders and donated 25,000 British pounds to Hamas government.

Israel has been imposing a tight blockade on the Gaza Strip for more than two years. Israel conditions lifting the blockade with releasing captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit held in Gaza since June 2007.

Israel also insists that all Gaza crossings will be reopened not only after Shalit is released, but also when a long-term truceis reached with Hamas and other Gaza militant groups.

(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2009)