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International Desk, June 11, 2025 : Hundreds of activists have embarked on a road journey toward Gaza to challenge the blockade imposed by Israel on the besieged Palestinian territory. Starting from Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, the convoy has reached Tripoli, Libya. The activists plan to travel through Libya to Egypt and eventually reach the Rafah crossing on the Gaza border. Named “Sumoud” (Steadfastness), the convoy consists of dozens of buses and over a hundred vehicles, carrying more than 1,500 activists. Organizers expect the number of participants to grow along the way.
Upon arriving in Tripoli, the convoy was warmly welcomed by thousands of people, with Libyan police providing security for the vehicles. Ala Abdel Razzaq, a 45-year-old architect in Tripoli, told AFP, “This convoy has brought us joy.” Another resident, Sahur al-Katif, said, “The tears of the Libyan people have merged with this convoy. It feels like I’m in Gaza, not Libya.”
The convoy includes activists from Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya. However, the Libyan government controlling the Egypt-border region has not yet granted permission for the convoy to proceed toward Egypt. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has declared that the convoy will not be allowed to enter Gaza, citing potential risks to Israeli forces. He has urged Egypt to halt the convoy’s progress.
Last week, a ship carrying 12 activists, including environmentalist Greta Thunberg, set sail for Gaza but was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. The activists were detained, with four released, while the rest remain in custody. Following this incident, the road convoy from Tunisia was launched.
Israel’s 20-month war has triggered a severe food crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has described Gaza as the world’s hungriest place, yet Israel continues to restrict adequate aid Delivers.
AI/MR
