4 days ago
Marching to Gaza: A convergence of conscience by land and sea - War on Gaza
Activists, doctors, students, artists, and unionists from across South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are gathering for the Global March to Gaza.
Their destination is the Rafah crossing—the last viable access point between Gaza and the outside world. Their mission is urgent.
Since Israel imposed a total blockade on 2 March, Gaza has plunged deeper into a humanitarian crisis. Acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies have become widespread. Humanitarian agencies report that over 90 percent of Gaza's 2.3 million residents face severe food insecurity. Health systems have collapsed, and the death toll since Israel's war began in October 2023 has surpassed 54,000.
Even at US-Israeli-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution points—critical sites for aid—Israeli forces have reportedly targeted civilians. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that in just eight days, 102 people were killed and 490 were injured while attempting to access food and supplies. Coordinated deliveries in northern Gaza and Rafah have met lethal resistance: drones, artillery, and sniper fire have targeted civilians queuing for basic essentials.
"We are living through a historic moment. What's happening in Gaza is a test of our humanity," said Saif Abukeshek, Palestinian activist and head of the International Coalition Against the Israeli Occupation, which is organising the Global March to Gaza. "Either we stand up for the values we claim to hold or we lose them, perhaps forever."
The march, supported by more than 150 NGOs and participants from 36 countries, will occur between 12 and 20 June. Protesters will gather in Cairo, travel through Sinai to Al-Arish, and attempt to reach the Rafah crossing on foot.
Support for the initiative spans continents. Rights organisations from Toronto, Berlin, and Melbourne have pledged backing, alongside public figures including Greek economist Yanis Varoufakis, Irish Nobel Peace Laureate Mairéad Corrigan-Maguire, comedian Jonathan Randall, author and TV host Marianela Pereyra, and blogger Candice King.
The organising committee mirrors this diversity: Spanish-Canadian activist Manuel Tapial, French physician Dr Catherine Le Scolan-Quéré, Mexican professor Patricia Luevano, Swiss doctor Regula Grabherr-Fawzi, Portuguese advocate Ana Rita, and South African MP Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.
Their demands are clear: an end to Israel's use of starvation as a war tactic, lifting the 17-year blockade, reopening the Rafah crossing, delivering essential aid, and establishing a sustained humanitarian corridor. They also seek accountability for violations of international law.
"I fear the day my child asks, 'What did you do when you saw the genocide?'" Abukeshek added.
The march's main demonstration is scheduled for 15 June. Participants will stay near the crossing until 20 June, hosting rallies, vigils, and press briefings. "Over 2,000 people have already committed to join us by air, despite every logistical challenge. And the numbers will grow," Abukeshek confirmed.
Dr Huseyin Durmaz of the International Health Initiative noted, "We have made the necessary explanations to the Egyptian authorities. We await permission for this peaceful civil action." Formal approval is still pending.
Parallel movements by land and sea
The Global March is part of a broader mobilisation. In Tunisia, the "Somoud" convoy, backed by football ultras, unions, students, and healthcare workers, has drawn over 7,000 applicants for its 9 June departure.
"I believe the siege can be broken. If this march isn't enough, we march again—and again—until we break through," said Abukeshek.
Another front is opening at sea. On 1 June, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) ship Madleen departed Catania, Sicily, with 12 activists and a cargo of humanitarian aid: flour, baby formula, medical supplies, prosthetics, water purification kits, and sanitary products.
Environmentalists and human rights defenders are on board, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan. Other passengers include Yasemin Acar (Germany), Baptiste Andre (France), Thiago Ávila (Brazil), Omar Faiad (France), Pascal Mauriéras (France), Yanis Mhamdi (France), Suayb Ordu (Türkiye), Sergio Toribio (Spain), Marco van Rennes (Netherlands), and Reva Viard (France).
"Our mission is peaceful. We are unarmed. Everyone on board is trained in nonviolence," the FFC stated.
But the risk is real. On 2 May, the FFC vessel Conscience was attacked by Israeli drones in international waters off Malta. The ship's engine was set ablaze. A decade earlier, Israeli forces raided the FFC's Mavi Marmara, killing 10 activists.
The Israeli military has signalled its readiness to block the Madleen, stating it is "prepared for a range of scenarios" as the vessel nears Gaza. The naval blockade has been in place since 2007 and remains strictly enforced.
Israeli Army Radio quoted military officials reaffirming their position: "We enforce the maritime security blockade on Gaza and are prepared for a range of scenarios."
Amid mounting global scrutiny, UN human rights experts have urged Israel not to interfere, citing international law: vessels in international waters must not be obstructed, and Palestinians have a right to receive aid through their territorial waters.
"Aid is desperately needed to forestall annihilation, and this initiative is a symbolic and powerful effort to deliver it," the experts said in a joint statement.
On 4 June, an Israeli-made Heron drone operated by the Greek Coastguard was seen monitoring the Madleen during its 2,000-kilometre voyage, expected to arrive near Gaza by 7 June, pending safe passage.
Though differing in form, the land and sea efforts share one goal: to challenge the siege on Gaza and prompt international action.
"No matter the odds, we must keep trying. Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity," said Greta Thunberg before boarding the ship.
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