Tunisian, Algerian activists head to Rafah border in bid to break Gaza siege

Hundreds of activists from Tunisia and Algeria have embarked on a road convoy to the Rafah border in Egypt, aiming to break the ongoing blockade on Gaza and deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid.

The initiative, called the "Convoy of Steadfastness," includes around 1,500 Tunisians and 250 Algerians travelling by bus through Libya and Egypt.

Organisers said the effort seeks to end “the siege imposed on our people in Gaza and to deliver the tonnes of humanitarian aid piled up at Rafah crossing and in Arish.”

"This convoy is part of broader global efforts taking place in many countries, including European countries, South America, and Southeast Asia such as Global March to Gaza, March to Gaza, and the Freedom Flotilla," said Tunisian orthopaedic surgeon Mohammed Amine Benour, who is taking part in the journey.

The convoy comes amid growing international efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, where the humanitarian situation continues to worsen under a months-long blockade.

In a related development, Israeli forces boarded a charity vessel early yesterday that was attempting to breach the naval blockade.

The British-flagged yacht Madleen, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was intercepted before reaching Gaza.

The boat had planned to deliver a symbolic amount of aid and draw global attention to the crisis.

The FFC confirmed on its Telegram account that the boat was taken over during the night.

Israeli officials later confirmed the vessel was under their control. Among the 12 crew members was activist Greta Thunberg.

Israel began enforcing the blockade in early March, claiming that aid was being stolen by Hamas to strengthen its grip over Gaza.

Hamas has denied these claims.

Meanwhile, the US-backed aid system in Gaza is slowly gaining traction after a troubled start.

Thousands of Palestinians have been flocking to distribution centres for food, despite fears of violence and chaotic scenes.