Global Humanitarian Convoy Blocked at Outskirts of Sirte While Attempting to Reach Gaza [multilingual pdf]

May 19, 2026 SIRTE – The Global Sumud Land Convoy, a civilian mission of over 200 participants from 25 countries, is currently being forced to camp nine kilometers from the Sirte crossing due to increased security risks and an elevated armed forces presence at the Sirte crossing. The convoy is carrying ambulances, medicine, and mobile homes, and includes doctors, engineers, educators, and ecobuilders prepared to work alongside Palestinian leadership in Gaza. The movement had been in communication with Libyan authorities for months, receiving permission and assurances of safe passage. 

On May 17, the convoy reached its final rest stop before the Sirte crossing, a neutral zone between western and eastern Libya that should be considered safe territory. However, a full military force awaits at the crossing, and negotiations with the Red Crescent have frozen while performing its role of mediating between the convoy and Libyan authorities. 

In an attempt to reopen negotiations and secure safe passage, the Global Sumud Land Convoy has formed a delegation that will drive toward Sirte to deliver a letter setting out our demands. We condemn the show of force being deployed by the Libyan National Army at the Sirte crossing in an attempt to intimidate civilian participants and show of humanity. 

This movement is comprised of people from over 25 countries, all present of their own free will: nonviolent, unarmed civilians from all backgrounds, ages, religions, and beliefs, who are now being forced to drive toward a full military blockade simply to deliver a letter requesting safe passage. 

The Fourth Geneva Convention is unambiguous: all parties are obligated to allow the free passage of humanitarian aid and personnel. The international community must act. Guarantees of safe passage were given and have been broken.A military force now blocks unarmed civilians from delivering aid to a besieged population. This is not a grey area. It is a violation of international humanitarian law, and those responsible will be held accountable.

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