Tunis: A convoy of buses and private vehicles departed from Tunis on Monday, embarking on a symbolic journey to Gaza to protest the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid. The initiative comes in parallel with the recent interception of an international aid flotilla by Israeli forces.
Comprising activists, legal professionals, and healthcare workers from across North Africa, the convoy aims to pass through Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt en route to the Rafah border crossing. Rafah, Gaza’s primary access point to Egypt, has remained effectively closed since Israeli forces seized control of the Gaza side in May 2024.
The journey is being led by independent Tunisian civil society groups who said the mission is intended to call for the "immediate lifting of the unjust siege" on Gaza. The organisers also criticised Arab governments for what they described as a lack of serious pressure to end the ongoing 20-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Although Israel began allowing limited aid into Gaza last month after a prolonged blockade, international organisations continue to warn of an imminent famine threatening the enclave's population of over two million. The blockade has largely cut off essential supplies, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
The convoy’s launch follows the interception of the Freedom Flotilla, an international aid ship that set off from Sicily. Israeli forces boarded the vessel — reportedly in international waters — detaining all on board, including Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Those detained are expected to be deported.
The land convoy, which began gaining momentum in Algeria on Sunday, was met with widespread public support. Crowds in Tunisia and Algeria waved Palestinian flags and chanted in solidarity with Gaza.
“This convoy sends a direct message to Gaza: You are not alone,” wrote Algerian organiser Yahia Sarri in a post on social media.
Despite low expectations of reaching Gaza, organisers insist the convoy is meant to deliver a symbolic message of resilience and solidarity. “It’s a gesture of defiance and determination,” said Saher al-Masri, a Palestinian activist based in Tunis.
Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, both Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of blockade on the territory. While Israeli officials argue the restrictions are necessary to prevent weapons from entering Gaza, critics contend the measures amount to collective punishment.
The convoy plans to stop in several southern Tunisian towns to rally support before proceeding into Libya, where recent clashes between armed factions have escalated. Organisers noted that the route and required permissions were coordinated in advance with relevant authorities.
The convoy adds to mounting international efforts to pressure Israel and regional actors to end the blockade and military campaign, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows increasingly dire.
