Libya’s eastern-based administration has dismissed reports that it engaged in official coordination with Egypt over the Maghreb “Caravan of Steadfastness” convoy, which is attempting to reach Gaza via the shared land border.
Abdulhadi Al-Hweij, foreign minister of the government appointed by Libya’s eastern parliament, told RT that “no official communication” had taken place with Cairo regarding the convoy. He emphasised that Libya remains committed to its sovereignty and operates strictly within its national laws.
Al-Hweij said his government welcomed the convoy, which is intended to show solidarity with Palestinians under siege in Gaza, and had “offered all possible facilitation” within Libyan territory and legal constraints.
He reiterated Libya’s longstanding position in support of the Palestinian cause, stating, “The Prime Minister has issued a decision to treat Palestinians as Libyans in access to healthcare, education, and humanitarian services—a historic step not made by any previous Libyan government.”
Al-Hweij also underlined that “Libya’s House of Representatives is the only legislative body in the world to have passed a law criminalising normalisation with the Zionist entity,” affirming continued support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and rejecting forced displacement and attacks on civilians.
Libya remains politically divided between the UN-recognised government in Tripoli and the rival eastern authority supported by the parliament.
On Wednesday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming that any foreign delegations seeking to visit the Rafah crossing or the nearby city of Arish must secure prior approval through official diplomatic channels. The ministry cited national laws and existing bilateral agreements as the basis for the requirement.
Egypt stressed that such applications should be made via its embassies abroad, through foreign missions in Cairo, or via recognised international organisations, as per procedures established since the outbreak of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza in October 2023.
Cairo reaffirmed its commitment to the Palestinian people, condemning Israel’s violations of international law and calling for the immediate and unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. It called on the international community to apply pressure on Israel to lift the blockade and allow access through all crossings without Israeli-imposed limitations.
