A convoy of pro-Palestinian activists aiming to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza has retreated to Misrata in western Libya.
The “Soumoud” convoy, meaning “steadfastness” in Arabic, was forced to fall back after eastern Libyan authorities blocked its route near Sirte.
Misrata, located 200 kilometres east of Tripoli, is under the UN-recognised Government of National Unity, while the east is controlled by warlord Khalifa Haftar.
The convoy included over 1,000 participants from Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania and Tunisia, who had departed from Tunisia on 9 June.
Organisers said the convoy was trapped under a “military blockade” without food, water, medicine, or reliable communications since Friday.
Several activists were reportedly arrested, including at least three bloggers documenting the journey, according to convoy representatives.
The Joint Action Coordination Committee for Palestine demanded the immediate release of 13 detained participants in a statement cited by Tunisia’s La Presse.
In a video message, the group vowed to continue its journey to Gaza’s Rafah crossing in defiance of the blockade and what it called a “genocide” in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities halted a separate initiative, the Global March to Gaza, as it approached Ismailia, east of Cairo.
Dozens of activists were reportedly beaten, had their passports seized, and were forced onto buses by police at various checkpoints.
Videos circulating on social media and obtained by AFP showed chaotic scenes as security forces disrupted the international mobilisation.
Despite the setbacks, organisers insist their mission will go on, calling for global solidarity with Palestinians facing relentless siege and bombardment.
The parallel crackdowns in Libya and Egypt have raised alarm over the shrinking space for regional activism on Gaza.