Global March to Gaza: Explained | Gaza News
Global March to Gaza Aims to Break Siege, Highlight Humanitarian Crisis
Thousands of activists are embarking on a Global March to Gaza, seeking to break Israel’s blockade and draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The Sumud Convoy, a Tunisian-led group of approximately 1,000 people, is currently traveling through Libya after departing from tunis.
The convoy, primarily composed of citizens from Northwest Africa, anticipates further growth as it progresses toward the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza. The activists hope to pressure world leaders into taking action regarding the situation in Gaza.
The Coordination of Joint action for Palestine is spearheading the Sumud Convoy, a key component of the broader Global March for Palestine.Supported by organizations such as the Tunisian General Labor Union and the Tunisian League for Human Rights, the convoy is coordinating with activists from 50 countries who plan to converge in Cairo before marching to Rafah.
Ghaya ben Mbarek, a Tunisian journalist participating in the march, expressed the courage and anger felt by many regarding the situation in Gaza. She believes journalists must “stand on the right side of history by stopping a genocide and stopping people from dying from hunger.”
However, the journey is fraught with potential obstacles.The convoy is awaiting permission to cross eastern Libya. Furthermore, Egypt designates the area between El Arish and the Rafah border as a military zone, restricting entry. An Egyptian activist, whose name is being withheld, expressed doubt that the march would be allowed, citing national security concerns.
Despite these challenges, activists remain determined. They acknowledge the unlikelihood of entering Gaza but hope their efforts will pressure world leaders to end the war. Ben Mbarek stated, “The message people here want to send to the world is that even if you stop us by sea, or air, then we will come, by the thousands, by land… We will literally cross deserts … to stop people from dying from hunger.”
The activists highlight the dire conditions in Gaza, where, as October 2023, more than 54,000 people have died amid restricted access to food and supplies. activists say the situation constitutes a genocide.
What’s next
The sumud Convoy will link up with other activists in Cairo before attempting to reach the Rafah crossing. The activists will continue to advocate for an end to the blockade and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza, despite the obstacles they face.