The Global March to Gaza involves thousands of activists trying to tackle Israel’s blockade and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Sumud Convoy, primarily made up of participants from the Maghreb region, is currently in Libya and plans to continue to Cairo, before marching towards Rafah. Coordinated by various organizations, the movement aims to put pressure on world leaders to address the situation, despite facing significant hurdles along the way.
Thousands of activists from around the world are making their way to the Gaza Strip, seeking to break Israel’s stringent blockade and raise international awareness about the dire situation there. Currently, about 1,000 participants in the Tunisian-led Sumud Convoy reached Libya on Tuesday morning, following their departure from Tunis, and are taking a brief break before continuing their journey. However, they are still waiting for permission to cross through eastern Libya, which remains uncertain.
The Sumud Convoy is led by the Coordination of Joint Action for Palestine, affiliated with the broader Global March for Palestine initiative. The multi-national group includes labor unions, rights organizations, and individuals from 50 countries. They are heading for the Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza, aiming to pressure world leaders into action regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis. Activists plan to connect with others in Cairo before heading towards the Sinai Peninsula.
Once they reach Cairo, the plan is to march for three days to Rafah, a key border point into Gaza. Ghaya Ben Mbarek, a Tunisian journalist who joined the march, expressed motivation from witnessing the suffering in Gaza, stating her journalistic duty compels her to act against what she sees as genocide. “I have to stand on the right side of history by stopping a genocide and stopping people from dying from hunger,” she said.
Despite their determination, obstacles loom over the convoy’s route. Authorities in eastern Libya have yet to grant passage, lacking a unified governmental response in the country. An official from the convoy noted they had previously been welcomed in the west, emphasizing the ongoing discussions for clearance from eastern authorities. Furthermore, restrictions posed by Egypt on the Gaza border mean that potential entry into Gaza remains unclear, with concerns cited over the military designation of the territory.
Historically, Palestinian advocates have tried various methods to respond to Israel’s actions. Since the onset of a brutal campaign in Gaza, protests and legal attempts have been made against officials supporting Israel’s military actions. Past initiatives, like the Freedom Flotilla, faced violent confrontations, including deadly assaults on aid boats attempting to reach Gaza. Activists are now looking for new approaches.
Even if they remain skeptical about entering Gaza, activists believe their presence and message are crucial. They assert that remaining silent only allows Israeli forces to continue their actions unchallenged. Ben Mbarek noted, “The message people here want to send to the world is that if you stop us by sea or air, we will come, by the thousands, by land.”
As tensions rise, the situation in Gaza remains severe. Data from observers shows that since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have severely restricted food and aid supplies, leading to catastrophic humanitarian conditions. Reports indicate significant loss of life, with at least 54,927 civilians killed and more than 126,000 injured as aerial bombardments and a blockade continue. Legal experts have classified these actions as possible acts of genocide given the intent behind the military strategy.
Amid rising global concern, the fight for humanitarian support and intervention continues as the activists march towards Gaza, a poignant reminder of the human resilience amid calamity.
The Global March to Gaza, propelled by the Sumud Convoy, seeks to break Israel’s blockade and highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis. While the activists face significant obstacles, including permission delays from Libyan and Egyptian authorities, their determination remains strong. With concerns over the conditions in Gaza escalating, the activists hope their march will prompt international pressure for change, even if they cannot reach their final destination. As the conflict continues to claim lives, the message of activism underscores a deep commitment to humanitarian issues.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
