Latest news with #WaelNawar
Libya Observer
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Sumood Convoy gives up drive to Gaza border and calls on Haftar's forces to release detainees
The Joint Action Coordination for Palestine announced its withdrawal from continuing the 'Sumood Convoy' march towards the Rafah crossing. The convoy's spokesperson, Wael Nawar, explained that the decision to withdraw came after the persistence of east Libya forces in preventing the convoy from crossing through Sirte. Nawar reaffirmed that they will continue their sit-in in the Buwairat Al-Hassoun area, west of Sirte, until 15 detained members of the convoy are released. Nawar had earlier announced that 15 convoy members, including 11 Libyans, were arrested by security elements affiliated with Haftar's forces on the outskirts of Sirte. He said that he personally was assaulted, beaten, and dragged, in addition to having his personal belongings stolen, before the convoy was forcibly pushed back toward the outskirts of Misrata. He indicated that the decision to turn back was made to avoid further violations, after the participants were attacked at the 'Gate 50' checkpoint west of Sirte. Regarding their meeting with the Hamad government, Nawar said that the authorities in eastern Libya told them explicitly: 'If Egypt agrees, we will allow you to pass.' Some convoy members revealed shocking details of what they experienced on the outskirts of Sirte, where forces affiliated with the eastern Libya government surrounded them and prevented them from continuing their journey. The participants spoke of a suffocating siege, deliberate starvation, direct threats at gunpoint, as well as physical assaults and arrests of several members, including the convoy's spokesperson.
Libya Review
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Gaza Aid Convoy Crosses into Libya from Tunisia
A large solidarity convoy dubbed the 'Caravan of Steadfastness' entered Libya on Tuesday morning via the Ras Ajdir border crossing from Tunisia, continuing its journey toward the Gaza Strip through Egypt's Rafah crossing. The convoy, which comprises around 1,000 volunteers, made its way through the Libyan cities of Zuwara, Zaltan, Sabratha, and Zawiya before heading to Tripoli. It aims to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians enduring what organisers describe as a 'genocidal war' since 7 October 2023. Videos shared by the Zawiya Municipality on Facebook showed official and popular preparations for welcoming the convoy, while several Libyan social media pages posted images of citizens waving Libyan and Palestinian flags and distributing food to participants. According to Tunisia's Joint Action Coordination for Palestine, the convoy includes trade unionists, politicians, human rights advocates, lawyers, doctors, journalists, and youth activists. The group published the caravan's schedule, including departure points from Tunis and other major Tunisian cities, as well as coordination points for crossing into Libya. The convoy marks a high-profile show of Maghreb solidarity with the Palestinian cause, with participants hailing from Tunisia and across North Africa. On 31 May, caravan spokesperson Wael Nawar announced that thousands from Tunisia and other Maghreb countries had joined the effort. The initiative is part of growing regional grassroots pressure calling for an end to the war on Gaza and increased humanitarian support. Organisers said the volunteers aim to accompany the aid all the way to Gaza, pending approval to pass through Rafah. The convoy's symbolic and material support underscores continued North African mobilisation in favour of the Palestinian people, particularly amid intensified violence and deepening humanitarian crises in the besieged enclave.
