After the partial failure of his first attempt to reach Gaza, the “Soumoud” caravan does not give up. From Sfax, Wael Nawar, spokesperson for coordinating the common action for Palestine, announced this Thursday the preparation of new editions: “Soumoud 2”, then “Soumoud 3”, as much as it should be, he said, “until the total lifting of the blockade imposed on Gaza”.
“What we have accomplished with the first caravan is an advance, but this is only the beginning. Breaking the blockade is a collective mission for all free peoples, “he said in front of a crowd gathered on the Place des 100 meters, in downtown Sfax.
An overall assessment of “Soumoud 1” is underway to identify the weak points and adjust the strategy for the next caravans. The organization plans to strengthen international coordination, better diplomatic anticipation, and the exploration of alternative routes, including by sea.
Starting from Tunis on June 9, the caravan crossed several Tunisian cities, before receiving a warm welcome in the West Libyan. But arrived in Syrte, it was stopped by the authorities of the East Libyan, due to the refusal of Egypt to authorize its passage to Gaza.
Despite negotiations, the members of the convoy were surrounded and forced to turn back under the threat of arms. An attempt to pass by sea since Misrata has also ended in failure.
During this tense episode, 15 participants from Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Sudan were briefly arrested, before being released after three days.
Despite the obstacles, the organizers remain determined. “We have paid the price of audacity, but we also sown the seeds of larger solidarity. The fight continues, “said Nawar, calling for a wider mobilization for the next initiatives.
The popular reception in Sfax has brought together numerous components of civil society, including the local section of the SNJT, the UGTT, the Tunisian Association of Women Democrats, the League for Human Rights and Coordination for Palestine.
