Tunisian-Initiated “Caravan of Steadfastness” Crosses into Libya on Route to Gaza

Watan-On Tuesday, organizers of the “Caravan of Steadfastness”, a Maghreb initiative to break the siege on Gaza, announced that the convoy successfully crossed from Tunisia into Libya via the Ras Jedir border crossing without any obstacles.

Nabil Chennoufi, spokesperson for the convoy, confirmed:”We are currently crossing into the Libyan side without any issues.”

He added that vehicles had already entered Libya, and buses were finalizing customs procedures. During their journey from Tunis to the Libyan border, the convoy was warmly welcomed by thousands in southern Tunisian cities such as Gabès, Médenine, Ben Guerdane, and Sfax, where residents hosted a communal lunch in solidarity.

Algerian Delegation Joins Tunisian-Led Convoy En Route to Gaza

Meanwhile, the Algerian branch of the convoy, which had traveled through Tunisia, also entered Libyan territory. Over 200 Algerian participants, including activists, volunteers, parliamentarians, and diplomats, joined the caravan, which originated on the second day of Eid al-Adha. They passed through Oum Teboul border, Beja, and Tunis before merging with the Tunisian initiative and continuing together toward Rafah at the Egyptian border.

The convoy symbolizes a grassroots Maghreb unity movement and public solidarity with Palestine, under the umbrella of the Algerian Initiative to Support Palestine and Aid Gaza. It comes amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed thousands of civilians—including women and children—and destroyed infrastructure, hospitals, and schools.

Yahia Sarri, head of the Algerian initiative, described the caravan as “not merely a solidarity trip, but a free Algerian voice breaking through the wall of global silence… telling the world that a besieged people are being slaughtered daily while the international conscience fails to respond.”

He emphasized the convoy’s dual role: humanitarian and political, carrying aid and a loud rejection of Israel’s crimes and the inaction of global powers.

“Our convoy is not just loaded buses; it is a cry of hope and a powerful symbolic image of international will. It speaks to Gaza: ‘You are not alone.’”

The caravan continues through Libya with logistical support and coordination from local authorities and humanitarian groups, heading toward Egypt. It is expected to join other convoys arriving by land, sea, and air from across the Arab world.

Wider International Support and Reaction:

The Movement of Society for Peace, Algeria’s largest Islamic political party, issued a strong statement of support for the caravan, celebrating its role in the global surge of popular activism for Gaza and against Israeli aggression.

The party condemned Israel’s piracy of the “Madeleine” aid ship in international waters and the detention of 12 international activists as a violation of international law and humanitarian principles.

Highlighting participation from over 50 countries, the movement described the growing global response as a unique humanitarian uprising and called on Arab and Muslim governments to facilitate these convoys, increasing pressure on Israel to end the siege and stop the massacres.