The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has submitted an official request to the Egyptian government for authorization to transit a humanitarian convoy by land, as Gaza faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the harsh winter caused by Israel’s continued restrictions on aid.
The request comes at a time when shortages of food, medical supplies, shelter materials, and other basic necessities persist, while the harsh winter weather and the Israeli regime’s continued violence and occupation are increasing the suffering of civilians. UN agencies and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for the lifting of all restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza to prevent further damage and loss of life. The Rafah border crossing, a key artery for aid access, should have been reopened under last year’s “ceasefire” agreements, yet it remains closed to the continuous and reliable distribution of aid.
Under international humanitarian law, and in line with the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice, facilitating rapid and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to civilians in distress is a binding legal obligation for all parties and States concerned. In this context, GSF requests Egyptian authorization for a humanitarian convoy in order to:
– Enter the Arab Republic of Egypt through the border crossing between Libya and Egypt;
– Transit safely through Egyptian territory with humanitarian supplies;
– Coordinate with the relevant authorities on inspections, security, and logistics;
– Proceed to the Rafah border crossing to deliver urgently needed aid.
The main objective of the convoy is to bring life-saving supplies, including food, medicine, blankets, and other essential goods to the communities in Gaza that continue to suffer from a prolonged humanitarian emergency. The request follows GSF’s recent public announcement of an upcoming flotilla mission in the spring, which will bring together over 3,000 humanitarian workers from around the world to help break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza, establish an unarmed protective presence, and support the reconstruction of Gaza. While preparations for the maritime mission are underway, current conditions in the Mediterranean make an early departure impossible.
“Sea conditions limit our ability to move by water first, but the needs are immediate,” said Marouan Ben Guettaia, a member of the GSF Steering Committee. “The convoy is a way to act now, to bring aid to the Palestinian people as soon as possible.” The Global Sumud Flotilla reiterates that the mission is strictly humanitarian and nonviolent in nature. The coalition is ready to cooperate transparently and constructively with the Egyptian authorities to ensure that the convoy meets all legal, security, and logistical requirements, while providing tangible aid to civilians in need.
