A convoy of almost 2,000 activists from throughout North Africa is making its approach towards the Gaza Strip in a symbolic effort to protest Israel’s blockade and specific solidarity with the Palestinian individuals.
The initiative, generally known as the Maghreb “Resilience Convoy” (Sumud), started its journey Monday from the Tunisian capital and reached the Libyan metropolis of Zawiya by Tuesday.
Organizers say the group will proceed via Libya and Egypt earlier than making an attempt to achieve Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
“This convoy is not about delivering aid – it’s about delivering a message,” mentioned Haifa Mansura, a Tunisian activist and co-organizer. “A message of solidarity, resistance, and international pressure.”
The convoy consists of activists from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, and Mauritania, with extra supporters anticipated to affix in Egypt.
In complete, greater than 120 autos, 9 buses, and 1,700 individuals are a part of the overland marketing campaign, coordinated in partnership with worldwide networks such because the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Global March to Gaza.
On Tuesday, the primary wave arrived in Zawiya, roughly 50 kilometers west of Tripoli, the place they have been greeted by cheering crowds and Libyan safety officers who saluted the convoy because it handed.
“The reception was exceptional. Libyans provided food, water, and full support,” mentioned Dr. Mohammed Amin Balnour, the convoy’s medical coordinator. “Most participants are in good health, though some are fatigued from the road.”
One participant reportedly needed to return to Tunisia from the Ben Guerdane border attributable to sickness, however no severe medical points have been reported.
The convoy is predicted to move via Misrata subsequent earlier than heading towards the Egyptian border. Organizers say the convoy will arrive in Cairo on Thursday and attain Rafah by Sunday, though entry to the crossing stays unsure.
“We met with the Egyptian ambassador in Tunis, but he gave no clear answer,” mentioned convoy spokesperson Nabil Channoufi. “We hope Egypt understands this peaceful movement’s purpose and allows us through.”
The convoy’s mission comes amid rising frustration over restricted humanitarian entry to Gaza. While Israel has allowed some support via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation – an initiative backed by Israel and the U.S. – the United Nations and a number of other NGOs have criticized the muse for being restrictive and unaccountable.
This North African convoy coincides with the interception of the “Madleen”, a humanitarian ship carrying 12 worldwide activists making an attempt to achieve Gaza by sea, underscoring what organizers name an pressing international name to motion.
“This is about moral duty,” mentioned Libyan organizer Ahmed Abdulgani. “We’ve witnessed atrocities in Gaza. No Muslim, no human being, should stay silent.”
Tunisian journalist and activist Fadiya Al-Husseini criticized Arab states for his or her passive stance, arguing that the convoy’s symbolism additionally challenges regional indifference.
“It’s not just the silence of Europe we’re confronting – it’s the silence of Arab leaders,” Al-Husseini mentioned.
More worldwide activists are anticipated to affix the hassle in Cairo, many flying in from almost 50 completely different nations. Organizers say that regardless of not carrying bodily support, the convoy is delivering one thing simply as highly effective: unrelenting public strain and a visual present of unity.
Source: www.dailysabah.com