TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) – A convoy of buses and private cars departed from Tunisia's capital on Monday, aiming to highlight Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza. This initiative coincided with a failed attempt by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to land in Gaza, which was thwarted by Israeli authorities.

The overland convoy is composed of activists, lawyers, and medical professionals from North Africa. Its route will take it through Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, culminating at Rafah, the border crossing into Gaza. This crossing has remained primarily closed since Israel's military takeover of the Gaza border in May 2024. The civil society groups organizing the convoy are demanding the "immediate lifting of the unjust siege on the strip," emphasizing that Arab governments have not done enough to halt the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has lasted for 20 months.

In response to the situation, Israel began allowing some basic humanitarian aid into Gaza last month following a 2.5-month blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas. However, experts have warned of a potential famine in the territory, which houses over 2 million people, unless the blockade is fully lifted and military actions cease.

This convoy is gaining significant attention in Tunisia and Algeria, with participants expressing solidarity for the people of Gaza by waving Palestinian flags and chanting supportive slogans. One of the Algerian organizers, Yahia Sarri, shared on social media, "This convoy speaks directly to our people in Gaza and says, 'You are not alone. We share your pain and suffering.'" The activists remain aware that their convoy may not receive permission to enter Gaza but emphasize that their effort serves as a "message of challenge and will," as stated by Saher al-Masri, a Tunis-based Palestinian activist.

Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel and Egypt have enforced various levels of blockade on the territory. Israel defends the blockade as a necessary measure to prevent Hamas from acquiring weapons, while critics argue that it constitutes collective punishment against the people of Gaza.

The convoy plans to gather support in towns south of Tunis before making its way into Libya. Tensions have escalated in Libya in recent months due to clashes between rival militias, which organizers have taken into consideration while planning their route and coordinating with local authorities prior to the convoy's departure.