Tunis: A convoy comprised of over 1,000 activists from North African nations embarked on a significant journey from Tunisia's capital, aiming to reach the Gaza Strip. This initiative seeks to break Israel's ongoing siege of the Palestinian territory and express solidarity with its people.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Maghreb resilience convoy, organized by the Coordination for Joint Action for Palestine, began its journey from central Tunis. Participants from Tunisia, Mauritania, Morocco, and Algeria registered for the mission, and the convoy was seen off by supporters waving Palestinian and Tunisian flags.
The convoy is part of a broader international effort involving over 30 countries from Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. Mohamed Amine Bennour, the convoy's medical coordinator, stated their objective is to reach Gaza by land and increase global awareness through events along their route. Additional groups from Tunisian cities like Sousse, Sfax, and Gabes are set to join, with plans to traverse Libya and Egypt.
Bennour highlighted coordination with initiatives such as the March on Gaza, the Global March on Gaza, and the Freedom Flotilla, which involves numerous ships. The convoy includes 12 buses and 100 other vehicles, with plans for more participants to join before reaching Gaza.
Jawaher Channa, from the organizing committee, confirmed the convoy's readiness, noting collaboration with Algerian participants. In a related effort, activists from 32 countries plan a demonstration at the Rafah border crossing on June 15, emphasizing widespread international support.
In response to Israel's closure of Gaza's border crossings since March, which has blocked humanitarian aid, aid agencies have raised alarms about potential famine affecting Gaza's 2.4 million residents. Additionally, last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes in Gaza.