Tunisian-led aid convoy departs for Gaza in bid to challenge Israeli blockade
TUNIS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A humanitarian convoy named Soumoud, meaning "steadfastness" in Arabic, departed from the Tunisian capital Tunis on Monday, with a goal to challenge the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, according to the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP).
Organized by the Coordination of Joint Action for Palestine in Tunisia, the land convoy brings together approximately 1,500 Tunisians and 200 Algerians, united in a call for global solidarity with the Palestinian people.
"This is primarily a land-based convoy, mobilizing all available resources to transport stockpiled humanitarian aid to Rafah," said Jaouaher Chamma, a member of the organizing committee.
Algerian, Mauritania, Moroccan and Libyan activists were also among the group, Chamma noted.
The convoy is expected to pass through several Tunisian regions before entering Libya, where it will continue its journey in coordination with local NGOs. From there, it will head to the Saloum border crossing in eastern Libya and on into Egyptian territory, with the goal of reaching the Rafah crossing into Gaza.
"This initiative aimed to send a message to all free people of the world to stand against occupation and genocide," TAP quoted convoy spokesperson Wael Naouar as saying.
"Breaking the blockade is not just about delivering aid," Naouar said. "It's also about evacuating the wounded so they can receive medical treatment outside the occupied territories."
The convoy's journey comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where access to essential supplies and medical care remains severely restricted due to the ongoing conflict and blockade.
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