Convoy arrives in Libya en route to Gaza to challenge Israel’s aid blockade

A convoy carrying hundreds of activists has arrived in Libya after driving from Algeria and crossing through Tunisia on its way to the Gaza Strip to challenge Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid on the territory.

The convoy is made up of at least 1,500 people, including activists and supporters from Algeria and Tunisia, with more expected to join from Libya.

The group has arrived in Zawiya city in Libya and plans to reach Gaza via Egypt’s Rafah Crossing, traveling by cars and buses. It drove through the Libyan cities of Tripoli, Misrata, Sirte and Benghazi to reach the Saloum Crossing which borders Egypt. It is expected to soon reach Cairo before heading to the Rafah Crossing.

Jamila Sharitah, an Algerian participant, says that authorities in Tunisia and Libya have been cooperative with the convoy, helping facilitate their smooth journey. Zayed al-Hamami, another participant, says the convoy aims to push for reopening crossings and allowing aid into the Gaza Strip.

“There are land, sea and air convoys that will arrive in Gaza despite the restrictions,” says convoy organizer Terkiya Shayibi. She adds that violent responses against the convoy will not frighten them.

After a two-and-a-half-month total blockade — aimed at pressuring the Hamas terror group, which is holding hostages it seized from Israel during its massacre on October 7, 2023 — Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month, but humanitarian workers have warned of famine unless the blockade is lifted altogether and Israel ends its military offensive.