Cairo/Tunis/Mumbai: Despite Israel’s seizure of the Madleen ship from the Gaza Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the detention of activists on board, a massive civilian-led Global March to Gaza is now underway, with convoys and individuals from over 50 countries converging at the Rafah Border via Egypt in a historic show of solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza.
The movement, described as one of the largest peaceful mobilisations for Palestine in recent years, is being led by thousands of volunteers. A major convoy from Tunisia, under the banner of the Maghreb Resilience Convoy to Break the Siege on Gaza, began its journey on June 9. It includes participants from cities like Tunis, Sousse, Sfax, and Gabes. The convoy will travel via Libya, aiming to reach Cairo by June 13, and then proceed to Arish and Rafah on the Egypt-Gaza border.
“We are expecting more than 10,000 people from around the world by the time we reach Rafah,” said Tibs, founder of Pal.actions Tunisia, speaking to Maktoob. “This is a peaceful, mass mobilisation unlike anything we’ve seen in years. Watching in silence was no longer an option. This is our moral duty — as Muslims, as Tunisians, as Arabs, as humans.”
The organisers have stressed the peaceful nature of the movement, emphasizing that it is unarmed and civilian-led. Tibs acknowledged the risks involved, especially given Israel’s history of targeting peace missions, but said, “If the Israeli occupation attacks peaceful people again, it will only expose its crimes further. We are not afraid. Our blood is not more valuable than our brothers and sisters in Gaza.”
Tibs highlighted that although the Tunisian government has not actively supported the convoy, it has not obstructed it either, reflecting the grassroots nature of the initiative. “This is a people’s movement,” he added.
Sana Syed, a Mumbai-based activist and coordinator of the Indian delegation to the Global March, said a group from India is expected to reach Cairo by June 12. Speaking emotionally, she said, “I’m a mother, and I’ve cried watching children in Gaza suffer. We’ve seen children dying live on our screens while the rest of the world carries on as normal. This march is our attempt to say — Gaza is not alone.”
She also acknowledged the fear and security concerns within India, especially given the government’s crackdown on Palestine solidarity protests. “People want to show support but fear being targeted. From arrests to surveillance, many hesitate. But still, people are coming forward to join this mission,” she said.
The Global March to Gaza has become a rallying cry for justice, drawing participants across religious, national, and cultural lines. “This is not just about Gaza,” said Tibs. “It’s about unity, resistance, and the fundamental human value of standing up for what’s right.”
The march continues despite challenges, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid and to remind Palestinians in Gaza that they are not forgotten.
