Thousands of people on foot to break the siege of Gaza
Objective: To reach the Rafah crossing, bring a message of peace and solidarity, and call for the opening of the border for the safe passage of humanitarian aid destined for the people of Gaza.
An international solidarity initiative
People from 35 countries will walk together for approximately 50 km, to the border with the Gaza Strip.
This is a peaceful and nonpartisan action, aimed at raising public awareness and promoting human rights.
The march stems from the desire to be close, even physically, to those who have been experiencing an extremely difficult situation for many months.
Coordinating the Italian delegation is Antonietta Chiodo, who explains the importance of giving a voice to those who are often not heard: “We are ordinary people who choose to walk to affirm universal values such as dignity and justice.”
Difficulties and Responsibilities
The initiative takes place in a complex context: participants have been informed of potential difficulties, including the risk of repatriation or restrictions at checkpoints.
Antonietta emphasizes that, while not an easy task, it is important to demonstrate the closeness between peoples, even when politics remains distant.
The situation in the Gaza Strip
“Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, the slaughter continues. Israeli bombings are killing dozens of displaced people every day, continuing to destroy all civilian infrastructure. The monopolization of aid distribution by American NGOs has also transformed those moments into violence against the population, with shootings into crowds and deaths. Meanwhile, old people and children continue to die of hunger.”
“Palestinians, including those in the West Bank, are caged rats who have always been denied the opportunity to experience the world. The Rafah Crossing is the only connecting passage to Gaza; in past years, as a reporter, I have documented the humiliation of those who camped at the crossing waiting to leave despite permission having been approved months earlier. For days, women, men, elderly people, and children lay on the ground waiting for this opening. Is there a greater shame than this? I don’t think so. The crossing must be opened; a population cannot be held hostage,” concludes Antonietta Chiodo.
Logistics and Organization
On June 12th, the participants will meet in Cairo, then travel by bus to Al-Arish, in the Sinai.
From there, they will walk to Rafah, where they will stop as a sign of testimony and symbolic support.
The return to Italy is scheduled for June 20th.
Permits to reach the area have been requested: so far, they have neither been granted nor denied. If the authorities do not officially object, the march will begin.
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