First-Ever: 80-Nation Coalition Forms to Lift Gaza Blockade
For the first time, a major coalition of human rights organizations, unions, and solidarity movements from 80 countries has organized a land march toward the Gaza Strip to protest the catastrophic humanitarian situation there. According to webangah News Agency, the initiative-titled “Global March to Gaza”-emerged in response to Israel’s complete blockade of Gaza since October 2023.
Saif Abu Keshk, head of the Global Coalition Against Zionist Occupation, stated that around 4,000 volunteers worldwide are participating in the convoy. The group includes civil activists as well as European Parliament members and legislators from various European nations.
As convoys arrive in Cairo,another solidarity caravan-departing from Algeria and Tunisia-has reached Libya. This group comprises over 20 buses and 350 vehicles carrying 1,500 Tunisian and Algerian activists en route to Al-Arish in northern Sinai before joining the main convoy at Rafah Crossing.
Objectives of the global March
The march aims to:
- End genocide and systematic killings: Organizers accuse Israel of deliberate starvation campaigns, targeted civilian killings (especially children), and dismantling Gaza’s social fabric.
- Ensure immediate humanitarian aid delivery: Approximately 3,000 trucks carrying food, medicine, fuel, and essentials have been stalled for months at Rafah Crossing.The convoy seeks on-ground pressure to facilitate thier entry.
- Break Gaza’s “inhumane siege”: Participants demand unrestricted access for basic necessities like water and medical supplies.
- solicit global attention:The movement highlights Israeli crimes while urging governments worldwide to pressure Tel Aviv into ending atrocities.
- Pursue legal accountability:Calls for prosecuting Israeli officials involved in war crimes and human rights violations.
A Peaceful Initiative
The organizers emphasize its strictly civilian nature: no government funding or political affiliations are involved. German lawyer “Melanie Schweitzer”, a planning committee member noted it draws inspiration from historic anti-apartheid/anti-occupation movements.
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Participants will travel grouped by nationality/language first via Cairo then onward through Al-Arish toward Rafah Crossing.
Abu Keshk confirmed coordination with egyptian authorities embassies consulates ensure safe passage while peaceful sit-ins may be staged at Rafah.
Catalan trade unionist Edouard Camacho stressed logistics remain minimal with participants covering own costs.
Irish spokesperson Karen Monaghan clarified they aim not blame Egypt but increase international pressure on Israel instead.
The launch coincides with reports Egyptian security forces detaining expelling dozens international activists arriving via airports join relief efforts yesterday.
