A convoy of hundreds of activists arrived in Libya from Algeria and crossed Tunisia on their way to Gaza to challenge Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid in the region.
The convoy includes at least 1,500 participants, including activists and supporters from Algeria and Tunisia, and more are expected to join from Libya.
The group reached the town of Zawiya in Libya on Tuesday and plans to use the Rafah crossing in Egypt to continue into Gaza, traveling by car and bus.
The convoy passed through the Libyan cities of Tripoli, Misrata, Sirte and Benghazi to reach the Saloum crossing on the border with Egypt. It is expected to reach Cairo soon before heading to the Rafah crossing.
Algerian participant Djamila Charita reported that Tunisian and Libyan authorities provided support to the convoy, ensuring its unhindered passage.
Another participant, Zaid al-Hamami, said the convoy's goal was to open checkpoints and deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
“Despite the obstacles, land, sea and air convoys will be delivered to Gaza,” said convoy organizer Terkiya Shayibi.
She added that violent retaliatory measures against the convoy would not deter them.
On Monday, the Israeli military seized a Gaza-bound aid ship carrying Greta Thunberg and several other activists, deepening a years-long blockade of the Palestinian territory that has intensified during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli forces deported Ms Thunberg on Tuesday.
The activists on the boat began their journey to protest Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip – one of the deadliest and most destructive wars since World War II – and the blocking of humanitarian aid.
Experts warn of possible famine in the region, home to more than two million people, unless the blockade is lifted and Israel halts its military offensive.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
