Eastern Libyan security forces led by Khalifa Haftar have halted the progress of the “Steadfastness Convoy,” an aid mission heading to Gaza, at the entrance to the city of Sirte, organizers announced on Friday.
The convoy, also known as the Maghreb Resistance Convoy, set out to defy the Israeli blockade of Gaza and was recently greeted with enthusiasm in Misrata, where supporters greeted participants with roses.
The convoy leadership said in a statement that armed forces with links to eastern Libyan authorities stopped them late Thursday and instructed the group to wait for official approval from authorities in Benghazi before proceeding.
Faced with the delay, organizers said they had chosen to remain on the side of the road near Sirte and were prepared to camp out overnight if necessary. “We will not proceed until permission is given. We ask for respect and support for our humanitarian mission,” the statement said.
The group called on Benghazi authorities to follow the supportive tone expressed by the Libyan Foreign Ministry, which had previously welcomed the convoy’s mission. “We trust in the unity and compassion of the Libyan people, regardless of regional divisions,” they added.
The convoy also called on the relevant authorities and international actors to intervene to ensure the continuation of their mission, which they said carried a “noble message” of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.