DaysofPal – A major overland initiative named the “Resilience Convoy” departed Monday from several North African countries toward the besieged Gaza Strip, aiming to deliver urgent humanitarian aid and challenge the ongoing Israeli blockade.
The convoy comprises thousands of volunteers from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, including trade union leaders, political figures, human rights activists, doctors, lawyers, journalists, athletes, and youth organizations. United in solidarity, participants are calling for an end to the genocidal war inflicted on Gaza and the immediate lifting of the blockade.
The convoy is scheduled to arrive in Cairo, then proceed to the Rafah border crossing, coordinating its efforts with the “Madleen” humanitarian vessel—part of the Freedom Flotilla initiative—sailing toward Gaza with international support.
However, in a disturbing escalation, Israeli forces forcibly intercepted the “Madleen” while it attempted to breach the Israeli-imposed naval blockade. All passengers aboard were detained and transported to an undisclosed location. Among the detainees were climate activist Greta Thunberg, “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham, and Rima Hassan, a French MEP of Palestinian origin, along with eight other international supporters.
The “Madleen”, which set sail from Sicily last week, was carrying urgently needed aid, including baby formula, flour, rice, desalination units, medical supplies, and prosthetic limbs—cargo intended for Gaza’s suffering civilian population.
Meanwhile, conditions in the Gaza Strip continue to deteriorate under extreme humanitarian duress. Palestinians face starvation, medical collapse, and the devastation of infrastructure after nearly 20 months of siege and war.
Since the launch of the Israeli assault on October 7, 2023, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reports nearly 55,000 Palestinians killed, the vast majority civilians. Large parts of the Strip lie in ruins.
The “Resilience Convoy” marks the latest in a growing global movement of solidarity, as civil society groups around the world intensify pressure on the international community to act decisively. For many, the continued blockade and bombardment constitute clear crimes against humanity, with mounting calls for legal and political accountability.
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