Warm Welcome Across Southern Tunisia
The "Convoy of Steadfastness," made up of hundreds of North African activists in solidarity with Gaza, crossed the Tunisian-Libyan border on Tuesday as part of a symbolic effort to challenge the Israeli blockade on the besieged Palestinian enclave, according to organizers.
Spokesman Nabil Al-Shanoufi described the journey from Tunis to the Ras Jedir border crossing, telling Anadolu Agency: “Thousands welcomed us warmly in Gabes, Medenine, Ben Gardane, and Sfax, where a generous lunch was organized in our honor.”
Cairo Next, Gaza by Monday
Yassine Al-Qaidi, the convoy’s media coordinator, said the group—comprising citizens from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Libya—is expected to reach Cairo by Thursday and aims to be at Egypt’s Rafah border with Gaza by next Monday.
A Large-Scale Convoy
According to spokesperson Ghassan Al-Hanshiri in an interview with Radio Mosaique FM, the convoy includes about 14 buses and 100 cars, carrying approximately 1,500 participants.
He added, in a separate interview with Jawhara FM, that they plan to remain in Libya for no more than three to four days before moving toward Egypt. While they have not yet received official approval from Egyptian authorities, he noted “reassuring signs” regarding their passage.
Symbolic Journey, Not a Humanitarian Aid Mission
Organizers clarified that the convoy is not carrying humanitarian aid. Rather, it represents a symbolic act of solidarity with Gaza, which the United Nations has described as “the most hunger-stricken place on Earth.”
Part of a Global Solidarity Movement
The convoy departed from Tunis on Monday morning as part of a larger global movement involving thousands of activists from 32 countries. The initiative aims to pressure for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza, break the siege, and allow the entry of humanitarian aid to over two million Palestinians facing starvation.
Israeli Naval Interception of International Aid Ship
Meanwhile, early Monday morning, Israeli forces seized the international aid ship "Madeliene" in international waters. The vessel, which carried international activists attempting to break the maritime blockade on Gaza, was intercepted, and 12 activists on board were detained and taken to Ashdod Port, where they await deportation by Israeli immigration authorities.