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Tunisian aid convoy heads to Gaza to ‘break’ Israeli blockade
Hundreds of people, mainly Tunisians, have a large land convoy bound for the coastal enclave to “break the siege” on the Palestinian territory.
Organisers said the nine-bus convoy isn’t bringing aid into Gaza, but rather aimed at carrying out a “symbolic act” by breaking the blockade on the territory described by the United Nations as “the hungriest place on Earth“.
The “Soumoud” convoy, meaning “steadfastness” in Arabic, includes doctors and aims to arrive in Rafah, in southern Gaza, “by the end of the week”, said activist Jawaher Channa.
It is set to pass through Libya and Egypt, although Cairo has yet to provide passage permits, she said.
“We are about 1,000 people and we will have more join us along the way,” said Channa, spokeswoman for the Tunisian Coordination of Joint Action for Palestine.
‘I was hoping for a miracle’: Madleen Kulab reacts to Israel’s seizure
Over the past week, Madleen Kulab – the young woman after whom the ship was named – followed with hope and anxiety as the vessel made its way towards the shores of Gaza in a daring attempt to break the Israeli blockade.
Throughout the journey, Kulab remained in close contact with the organisers and supporters behind the mission, waiting anxiously for the ship’s arrival. But her guarded optimism gave way to heartbreak when she awoke to the news that Israeli commandos intercepted the ship and detained 12 activists on board.
“I was deeply disheartened,” Kulab told Al Jazeera. “I strongly anticipated this scenario, but I was truly hoping for a miracle that somehow the ship would break the blockade and reach Gaza.”
The night before, Kulab was on a live video call with Rima Hassan, one of the activists aboard the seized ship. “Her words really moved me, the way she’s devoted her life to the Palestinian cause, how her greatest dream is to visit Gaza. And yet, that simple dream has been made impossible by Israel.”
For Kulab, the interception was not just a political act, it was personal. Living under siege, she knows the weight of isolation all too well.
“We live in a place completely sealed off from the world. Every previous attempt by ships or flotillas to break the blockade has been met with military intervention. This has been going on for 15 years before the current war. So imagine the situation now with the war still raging.”
