Indian Delegation To Join The Global March To Gaza Alongside Thousands (image-X/Nermeenalswaisi)
Seeking to break the siege in Gaza, thousands decided to embark on a journey, marching to the Rafah border demanding for the immediate ceasefire and entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. A Tunisian-based convoy had begun their journey on June 9 via road for Egypt. Similarly, a small convoy from India is also expected to join the global march.
Speaking to Maktoob Media, Sana Syed, a resident from Mumbai who is helping in the coordination of the Indian delegates, called the initiation to be a major step towards humanity. Sana, with immense disbelief, said that she could not imagine that we are living in a world where both the IPL is celebrated and children are being killed at the same time.
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“There are many concerns. People who wanted to go later asked whether they could show solidarity in states and cities without the government cracking down on us. This is also a fear,” she shared.
She further added that this fear was invoked as many, including Umar Khalid, who had been jailed for years for protesting against the Citizenship Bill, serves as an example for them. “All of these things, despite being brave, give people concerns,” she said.
However, keeping aside all the concerns, the delegation from India is expected to reach Cairo and join others by June 12.
Over 7,000 people have registered so far. However, only 2,500 have confirmed. The Palestinian-Tunisian founder Tibs had said that they expect the count to reach over 10,000 by the time they reach Rafah. “This is a mass peaceful mobilisation unlike anything we have seen in years,” he added.
Tibs said that they will be travelling by car in convoy and will reach Cairo by June 13. The route was coordinated based on feasibility, safety and existing regional connection with movements like Global March to Gaza and Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
“The unbearable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, especially during this ongoing genocide, pushed us to act. Watching in silence was no longer an option. This is our moral duty — as Muslims, as Tunisians, as Arabs, as humans. Because silence is complicity. The world cannot remain passive while a whole population is being starved, bombed, and suffocated. This march is a cry for justice, unity, and human dignity,” he added.
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Calling it a historic event, Tibs said that this had been the first time in years, such that 52 countries had come coordinating together for one goal. Talking about the risks, he said that volunteers joining in are well aware of it as Israel has a history of targeting peaceful protests.
Tibs had also said that the Tunisian government had not obstructed the movement. Moreover, he added that the convoy is expected to endure hardships and challenges in the road ahead.
