Convoy to Gaza departs Tunisia in bid to break blockade
A humanitarian convoy aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza has begun its journey from several Tunisian cities, organisers say.
The initiative, launched on Monday, is expected to travel across Libya and Egypt before reaching the Rafah border crossing into the Gaza Strip.
Organised by the Joint Coordination for Palestine, the convoy includes representatives from civil society groups, trade unions, political parties, medical associations, and youth organisations. Its route will take it from Tunis, Sousse, Sfax and Gabès to the southern city of Ben Gardane, near the Libyan border.
The convoy will then proceed along the Libyan coastline before heading to Cairo and onwards to Rafah on the Egyptian-Palestinian border.
Organisers say the mission is intended to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to deliver humanitarian aid.
The effort has received backing from major Tunisian institutions, including the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), the National Union of Tunisian Journalists, the Tunisian Bar Association, the Tunisian Human Rights League, the Doctors' Union, and the Young Doctors' Organisation.
Initially scheduled to depart on 14 June, the launch was moved forward to 9 June to align with the arrival of international delegations in the region.
Separately, a coalition of more than 32 international unions and rights organisations recently announced a 'Global March to Gaza' to highlight what it called the dire humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians. The marchers plan to enter Gaza on foot.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Observer
14 hours ago
- Libya Observer
Libya, Japan agree to strengthen bilateral relations across various fields
Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hisayuki Fujii, has met with the Chargé d'Affaires at the Libyan Embassy in Japan, Ahmed Al-Naas, to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Minister Fujii welcomed the ongoing progress in bilateral relations since the reopening of the Japanese Embassy in Libya in January of last year. For his part, Al-Naas expressed hope for strengthening ties between Japan and Libya across various fields, including through opportunities such as the upcoming TICAD 9 Conference. News Tagged: Japan
Libya Observer
14 hours ago
- Libya Observer
UNSMIL invites youth in Ajdabiya, Al-Bayda, Derna, and Shahhat to discuss Advisory Committee options
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called on young people from the cities of Ajdabiya, Al-Bayda, Derna, Shahhat, and surrounding areas to take part in discussion sessions on the options and recommendations proposed by the Advisory Committee, and to share their concerns and suggestions. In a statement issued Thursday, the UNSMIL stated that the sessions are open to youth aged between 18 and 35. The consultations will be held at municipal headquarters as part of UNSMIL's 'Youth Participate' program, with sessions scheduled to take place in Ajdabiya on Monday, Al-Bayda on Tuesday, Derna on Wednesday, and Shahhat on Thursday. News Tagged: UNSMIL libyan youth
Libya Observer
a day ago
- Libya Observer
IMF warns of excessive spending in eastern Libya
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed that authorities in eastern Libya spent approximately 60 billion Libyan dinars in 2024 without including this expenditure in official financial statements. In a report published Thursday, the IMF stated that the high level of spending, coupled with the shutdown of oil fields due to conflict, shifted the country's fiscal position from a projected surplus to a significant deficit. The report noted that the absence of a unified budget and the sharp increase in public spending prompted the Central Bank of Libya to devalue the dinar by about 15% against the US dollar. The IMF stressed that corruption remains widespread, with weaknesses across the tax and customs systems, education and healthcare sectors, fuel trade, and procurement processes. It also highlighted the presence of illegal activities contributing to the fragility of the situation. It urged Libyan authorities to agree on a unified budget and prioritize spending to bolster fiscal stability and credibility. It emphasized the need to enhance transparency by preparing and publishing audited financial accounts and oil revenue reports online. The IMF recommended gradually unifying the exchange rate, removing the foreign currency tax and exchange restrictions, particularly in the absence of political consensus on reducing expenditure. The report also noted that weak political institutions have eroded public trust in the banking sector, leading to liquidity shortages as people hoard cash. While acknowledging that the Central Bank's move to inject new banknotes is positive, the IMF stressed that it does not address the root problem. It called for restoring public confidence in banks and enforcing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures to support international banking relationships and economic stability. The IMF also underscored the need for comprehensive economic reforms to address obstacles facing the private sector, including the widespread informal economy, lack of regulatory frameworks, and limited access to financing and foreign currency. Finally, the report pointed out that armed groups continue to obstruct anti-corruption efforts, with some enjoying official status and actual control over certain areas.
