AhlulBayt News Agency: On Saturday morning, a grassroots humanitarian convoy named Dignity Convoy departed from northern Lebanon, heading toward the Rafah border crossing. The initiative aims to break the nearly two-year blockade imposed on Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
The convoy consists of Lebanese citizens, activists, and Palestinian refugees from different regions of Lebanon, including Akkar, the Bekaa, and the south. It is a non-partisan, grassroots effort reflecting growing public support for Gaza.
This initiative follows the Steadfastness Convoy, which began its journey from Tunisia on June 9 and reached Sirte in eastern Libya, with plans to continue toward Rafah. Both convoys are part of a broader Arab movement to break the siege on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
Convoy coordinator Sheikh Yahya Yahya explained that the name Dignity Convoy was chosen because dignity has been absent in the ongoing crisis. He stated that denying aid to two million people while the world watches is a violation of human dignity.
He emphasized that the convoy is independent and unaffiliated with any political party or organization. He described it as a duty-driven effort by Lebanese and Palestinian activists, aimed at opening the way for aid stuck at the Egyptian Rafah crossing.
Sheikh Hibaat Al-Rifai, one of the organizers, said the convoy intends to reach Rafah within days, traveling through Syria and Jordan before crossing by sea into Egypt. He acknowledged logistical challenges but affirmed their commitment to delivering a message of solidarity.
Al-Rifai noted that delays or obstacles are expected, but the participants remain determined to continue their mission of support for Gaza.
Many participants cited the ongoing massacres in Gaza as their primary motivation for joining the convoy. Palestinian refugee Abdul Rahman Kayyali described his participation as a humanitarian, national, and religious duty.
Lebanese citizen Talal Salah stressed that while the convoy is symbolic, it marks the beginning of a broader movement that should take root in Arab consciousness. He urged Arab governments to facilitate its passage and respect its humanitarian nature.
The Dignity Convoy is expected to reach Egyptian territory within two days, provided it is allowed to cross. Egypt is the final stop before attempting entry into Gaza via the Rafah crossing, which has been under tight restrictions since October 2023.
This movement comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s use of humanitarian aid as a weapon of war. Hamas condemned the latest attack on civilians seeking aid, calling it a “mass slaughter at the gates of aid” and demanding urgent humanitarian corridors.
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