Delegates from 32 Nations Join Forces in Global March to Gaza, Approach Rafah Crossing

An international solidarity march in support of the Gaza Strip commenced on Monday as part of a global campaign to address and dismantle the blockade imposed on the region. The initiative also calls for an end to the alleged genocide attributed to Israeli military actions since October 7, 2023.

Participants from 32 different countries have joined a large-scale march aimed at reaching Gaza’s border via the Rafah land crossing with Egypt. The purpose of this mobilization is to deliver humanitarian aid and demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian community.

Convoys are set to convene in Cairo next Thursday, subsequently making their way to the northeastern Egyptian city of Arish. From this location, participants will proceed on foot towards the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, where organizers have announced that protest camps are to be established.

The primary coalition behind the initiative, dubbed the “Global March to Gaza,” has declared its widespread representation across numerous countries in Europe, North and South America, alongside Arab and Asian nations. This development underscores the increasing global support for the Palestinian cause.

Heading the delegations is the Algerian “Caravan of Steadfastness,” which departed from Algiers on Sunday. The caravan aims to connect with the Tunisian convoy, before moving onward to Libya, Egypt, and ultimately arriving at the Rafah crossing.

Yahia Sarri, leader of the Algerian Initiative for Supporting Palestine and Aiding Gaza, announced in a press statement that the “Caravan of Steadfastness” set off on Sunday towards Tunisia. It is scheduled to integrate with the Tunisian convoy, subsequently traverse through Libya into Egypt, and ultimately make its way to Gaza via the Rafah crossing.

Sarri, a leading figure within the Association of Algerian Muslim Scholars, highlighted that the convoy is a humanitarian initiative, aligning with global voices to call for the cessation of the unjust blockade on Gaza. He further stated that this action underscores Algeria’s position in solidarity with Palestine, urging international efforts to end the siege and safeguard civilians from severe aggression.

Sarri highlighted that the convoy represents a broader international humanitarian initiative, mobilizing efforts by land, sea, and air, to oppose the ongoing hostile actions against the residents of Gaza. He stated, “We send a message to the people of Gaza: you are not alone. We stand with you through your trials and tribulations. This is our way of amplifying your voice on the global stage.”

He characterized the convoy as a “symbolic testament to the expanding international resolve that is increasingly constricting the occupier’s influence globally.”

Abdelhafid El Sriti, the coordinator of the “National Working Group for Palestine” in Morocco, announced that the march is set to commence with a flight from Morocco to Egypt. Participants will then proceed by land from Cairo to the Rafah crossing. The initiative aims to exert pressure on the occupation to open the crossings and bring an end to the ongoing situation.

He stated that since October 7, Moroccan citizens have consistently rallied in the streets and public spaces to show their solidarity with the resistance and the Palestinian people, affirming their commitment to continue these efforts. He further elaborated that they have synchronized their plans with the organizing entities, as participants are set to travel from Morocco to Cairo, then proceed to the Egyptian city of Arish, before making their way to the Rafah crossing.

El Sriti has issued a stark warning about the dire situation facing the Palestinian people, who are enduring bombings and the use of American-made weapons, alongside a crippling siege that has resulted in famine and disease. Describing the situation as an unprecedented crime, he has urged the international community to take immediate action to halt what he terms the Israeli genocide in Gaza and to secure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The march was initiated just a day following the interception of the ship Madleen by the Israeli army. The vessel, en route to Gaza with the aim of breaking the blockade and showing solidarity after over 20 months of what has been described as genocide, had all international activists on board detained.

The vessel Madleen transported 12 individuals, notably among them were Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, and a French-Arab parliamentarian.

The vessel Al-Dameer, linked to the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, came under attack by an Israeli drone on May 2nd during its attempt to reach Gaza. The assault resulted in a breach of the hull and ignited a fire at the vessel’s bow.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, backed by the United States, has been accused of perpetrating acts considered genocidal against Gaza. These involve fatalities, hunger, extensive damage, and enforced relocations, while allegedly disregarding global calls and binding directives from the International Court of Justice to halt these operations.

The ongoing conflict has led to a staggering toll, with more than 181,000 Palestinians either killed or injured, predominantly women and children. Additionally, over 11,000 individuals remain missing. The crisis has also caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and severe famine, resulting in numerous fatalities, including many children, amidst widespread devastation.

Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza for 18 years. Currently, an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians, out of a total population of approximately 2.4 million in the Strip, find themselves without homes following widespread destruction.