Will the Global March for Gaza succeed where the Madleen flotilla failed?

Thousands of activists, human rights campaigners and civilians from around the world have joined the Global March to Gaza to break Israel’s ongoing siege and demand an end to the devastating war on the Palestinian enclave.

Organisers say the march is non-political and has emerged as a last resort in response to the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

While participants do not plan to forcibly enter the Strip, organisers say the action was necessary after governments and international bodies failed to halt Israel’s assault or ease the blockade.

More than 1,000 people have already joined the Tunisian-led leg of the march, with numbers expected to grow as it passes through more countries.

Participants will gather in Cairo on Thursday, then travel by bus to Al-Arish on Friday, where the 48-kilometre march to Rafah will begin.

Upon reaching Rafah, they plan to hold a three-day peaceful sit-in before returning to Cairo on 19 June.

The march is also connected to the Sumud Convoy, organised by the Coordination of Joint Action for Palestine.

Here, The New Arab answers key questions about the movement.

What is the aim of the march?

The Global March to Gaza aims to deliver urgent humanitarian aid, express solidarity with Palestinians, raise awareness of the war, and increase international media pressure.

Organisers say the march was born out of frustration with the failure of states and institutions to intervene meaningfully, as Gaza remains paralysed by over two years of Israeli bombardment and restricted access to aid.

It is a self-funded citizens’ movement, with each participant covering their own costs to maintain independence. No online fundraising has been involved.

Who is taking part?

The Somoud ("resilience") convoy is backed by a range of international organisations, including the Tunisian General Labour Union, the National Bar Association, the Tunisian League for Human Rights, and the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights.

Participants also include members of grassroots groups such as the Palestinian Youth Movement, Codepink Women for Peace (United States), and Jewish Voice for Labour (United Kingdom).

So far, activists and civilians from 50 countries have joined the march, with recent additions including participants from Poland and Wales.

Has there been any backlash to it?

In Libya, the convoy was met with cheering crowds as it passed through the streets of Zawiya after crossing from Tunisia. Authorities allowed it to proceed following a brief delay and heightened security checks.

Online, the march has received widespread support from international activists, campaigners, and public figures.

However, since the movement launched, Israel has called on Egypt to prevent any solidarity or humanitarian aid convoys from reaching the Gaza border.

Since the warning from Israel, Cairo has stressed that any foreigners trying to enter Gaza need to submit "applications and obtain prior approval" before crossing any borders.

The warning from Israel came in a strongly worded comment from defence minister Israel Katz, who said: "I expect the Egyptian authorities to prevent jihadist protesters from reaching the Egyptian Israeli border and not allow them to carry out provocations or attempt to enter Gaza- a step that would endanger the safety of Israeli soldiers and will not be allowed".

How successful is it likely to be?

Participants say they are committed to continuing the march despite anticipated obstacles.

A statement on the official March to Gaza website says organisers were taking all necessary legal and diplomatic precautions in case they are blocked or detained at the border.

"A legal team with international law attorneys is mobilised to anticipate all scenarios. But our strength lies in our visibility and negotiations with embassies: if thousands of peaceful citizens are turned back or arrested, the entire world will know," it reads.

Organisers believe such a response would create "unprecedented pressure" and severely damage the image of any country attempting to suppress the movement.