Summary:

On June 8, 2025, the Coordinating Committee for Joint Action for Palestine in Tunisia announced the launch of the “Steadfastness Convoy,” aimed at breaking the siege on the Gaza Strip. Several major Tunisian organizations, including the General Labour Union (UGTT) and the Journalists Union, voiced support and joined the initiative. 

                                   [mepr-show if=”loggedout”] Please login or purchase an InBrief membership to view the rest of this report [/mepr-show] [mepr-show if=”loggedin”]

The Convoy departed from Tunis on June 9, bringing together thousands of activists and volunteers from across the Maghreb region. As part of the international ‘Global March to Gaza’ movement, the initiative seeks to pressure the international community to take concrete action toward a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

The Convoy route was planned to pass through the Ras Jedir border crossing on the Tunisian-Libyan border, continues along Libya’s coastal road to Cairo before reaching the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.  

As of 12 June 2025, after passing through the city of Misrata, the convoy was blocked in Sirte at the request of authorities in eastern Libya, pending official permission to proceed.  

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that foreign delegations must obtain prior approval to visit the Gaza border area through Egyptian embassies or recognized organizations.  

However, Convoy Spokesperson Nabil al-Shanoufi stated that they had already met with the Egyptian Ambassador in Tunis, submitted the list of participants, and remain ready to comply with any formal requirements to reach Rafah. 

In addition, Egyptian authorities detained and deported several activists arriving at Cairo Airport to join the Convoy following reports that Israel’s defense minister urged Cairo to block the Convoy. 

Outlook: 

While the Steadfastness Convoy has gained widespread popular support and united Maghreb countries under a common humanitarian cause, Egypt’s move to block the convoy before it reached its borders may prove to be divisive amongst Arab countries in the region.  

Egypt’s geostrategic position and its historic agreements with Israel, most notably the Camp David accords, may reflect its cautious approach to regional dynamics, particularly regarding the Israeli Palestinian conflict, as it seeks to balance domestic public opinion, regional alliances, and international obligations.  

[/mepr-show]

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.