In a statement on Thursday, the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Benghazi announced its full support for the convoy, while it referenced an earlier statement from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlining the rules for visiting border areas adjacent to Gaza.
"In this context, we would like to draw attention to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, which sets out the regulations for visits to the border area adjacent to the Gaza Strip,” read the Libyan statement.
“We emphasise the importance of adhering to these controls and fully coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of participants and the success of the convoy's objectives."
The Libyan ministry also emphasised that this initiative reflects the unity of Arab and humanitarian efforts and aligns with Libya’s firm position supporting the Palestinian cause.
It highlighted the need to continue rejecting the siege, starvation, and systematic targeting of Palestinian civilians by Israeli occupation forces, particularly in Gaza, reaffirming its condemnation of all violations committed against the Palestinians.
The Soumoud (Steadfastness) Convoy, which seeks to break Israel's deadly blockade on Gaza, carries humanitarian aid and approximately 2,000 activists from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, and Libya.
The convoy reportedly plans to travel through Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.
It comes just days after the Israeli navy seized the Freedom Flotilla ship Madleen, which was also attempting to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
On Wednesday, in a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry called on international delegations wishing to visit the border area near Gaza to express support for Palestinian rights to secure prior approval, citing safety concerns and sensitive security conditions.
"Egypt welcomes the regional and international support, whether official or popular, for legitimate Palestinian rights and rejection of siege, starvation, and Israel's blatant and systematic violations against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip," the Egyptian foreign ministry's statement read.
It stressed that while Egypt welcomes the global outpouring of support for Palestinian rights, it also emphasises that all requests must adhere to established regulatory procedures, which have been enforced since the start of the Gaza war.
The foreign ministry added that these procedures entail submitting an official request via Egyptian embassies abroad, foreign embassies in Cairo, or through organisational representatives to the foreign ministry.
The foreign ministry stressed the importance of adhering to these established regulatory measures "to ensure the safety of visiting delegations due to the sensitive security conditions since the onset of the crisis in Gaza."
It added that "no requests or invitations will be considered or responded to if submitted outside the framework specified by the regulatory provisions and the established mechanism in this regard."
Furthermore, the foreign ministry noted that numerous visits by foreign governmental and non-governmental human rights organisations have previously been arranged through these channels.
Similarly, the foreign ministry reaffirmed that foreign citizens intending to come to Egypt must adhere to Egyptian law and regulations, including obtaining necessary visas or permits.
Meanwhile, the Libyan foreign ministry called on all countries and international organizations to act urgently and exert pressure on the occupying power to end its violations and recognize the full rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
It also urged the international community to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), as well as efforts to return displaced Palestinians.
It also reiterated the Libyan government's unwavering position on the Palestinian issue, affirming its ongoing commitment to support the Palestinian people in cooperation with Arab and international partners.
It also commended the efforts of Libyan civil society and citizens who have contributed humanitarian and financial aid in various fields.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Libyan people's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and their rejection of injustice, occupation, and all violations against the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
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