A landmark humanitarian initiative, dubbed the "Resilience Convoy," has embarked on a daring mission from North Africa to challenge Israel’s crippling siege on Gaza. Comprising thousands of volunteers from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, the convoy brings together trade unionists, politicians, medics, journalists, and activists united in their demand to end what they describe as Israel’s genocidal assault on the Palestinian territory.  

Organisers say the convoy, laden with vital supplies, will travel through Egypt to the Rafah crossing in a coordinated effort with the "Madleen" aid ship,part of the Freedom Flotilla currently attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade. Yet in a stark escalation, Israeli forces violently seized the "Madleen" earlier this week, detaining all on board, including high-profile figures such as climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan. The vessel carried desperately needed provisions, flour, medical equipment, and prosthetic limbs, for Gaza’s starving population.  

For over 20 months, Palestinians in Gaza have endured relentless bombardment, mass displacement, and systematic starvation under Israel’s military onslaught. Since October 2023, nearly 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, with entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble. The North African convoy represents the latest act of global defiance against the blockade, as international outcry grows over Israel’s alleged war crimes.  

With neither a ceasefire nor meaningful intervention in sight, the convoy’s organisers vow to press forward, framing their mission as a moral duty to stand with Gaza against what they call a campaign of annihilation.