An international solidarity convoy bound for the Rafah border crossing departed on Sunday, aiming to call for an end to Israel’s siege of Gaza and press for a ceasefire in Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza.
Thousands of activists from 32 countries have joined the campaign, which seeks to deliver humanitarian relief and express global solidarity with Palestinians trapped in Gaza, where human rights groups and legal experts have warned of a potential genocide.
The convoys are scheduled to assemble in Cairo on Thursday before continuing to the Egyptian border city of Arish. From there, participants hope to march on foot to Rafah, where organisers from the Global March to Gaza coalition plan to establish protest camps. However, it remains uncertain whether Egyptian authorities, known for their firm stance against public demonstrations, will allow the march to proceed.
The coalition, reportedly over 7,000, includes representatives from across Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Arab world, and Asia, reflecting a growing international mobilisation in support of Palestine.
One of the earliest contingents to begin the journey was Algeria’s “Caravan of Steadfastness,” which left Algiers for Tunisia on Sunday. The convoy will join Tunisian participants before travelling through Libya and into Egypt en route to Rafah.
Yahya Saree, head of the Algerian Initiative to Support Palestine and Aid Gaza, described the effort as a humanitarian act intended to amplify global opposition to the Israeli blockade.
Saree, who is also a senior figure in the Algerian Association of Muslim Scholars, said the initiative demonstrates Algeria’s enduring support for the Palestinian people and reinforces its calls for international protection of civilians under Israeli bombardment.
Since early May, Israeli forces have taken control of the Rafah crossing, sealing it off entirely and halting all humanitarian aid, including medical evacuations.
Saree said the caravan was part of a broader international mobilisation—by land, sea, and air—against what he called crimes in Gaza. “To our brothers and sisters in Gaza: you are not alone,” he said. “This is the least we can do to carry your voice to the world.”
In Morocco, Abdelhafid Sriti of the National Action Group for Palestine told Anadolu Agency that Moroccan delegates would travel to Cairo before continuing to Rafah by road. He said the convoy aimed to pressure Israel into reopening the crossings and halting what he described as a genocide.
“Since October 7, Moroccans have consistently taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian people and resistance—and we will not stop,” said Sriti, who condemned the siege for creating famine and disease in Gaza.
Egypt has sharply increased its military presence in the Sinai and remains vigilant about border security. Cairo has repeatedly stated it will not permit unauthorised crossings and has historically blocked such convoys from entering Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces intercepted and boarded the Madleen, a ship attempting to reach Gaza under the banner of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).
According to a statement from the FFC, the ship’s unarmed crew was detained, and its cargo—including baby formula, food, and medical supplies—was confiscated by the Israeli authorities.
The Madleen was carrying 12 activists, including Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. A previous aid vessel, the Al-Damir, was targeted by an Israeli drone on May 2, sparking a fire on board.
Since Israel launched its bombardment in Gaza in October 2023, supported by the United States, the enclave has endured mass casualties, starvation, displacement, and immense destruction. These actions have continued despite multiple rulings from the International Court of Justice and growing global appeals for an end to the onslaught and killings.
