Listen to this article:

New Delhi: Nikita Naidu, a climate activist, has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla’s North African land convoy, becoming the first Indian national to participate in what has been described as the largest civilian-led humanitarian mission in history aimed at breaking the siege on Gaza.

Naidu reached Tripoli, Libya, on Thursday, May 7, linking up with the overland convoy carrying medical aid, shelters and other essential humanitarian supplies through North Africa towards the Rafah crossing into Gaza. The convoy departed from Mauritania at the beginning of May and has since passed through Algeria and Tunisia before reaching Libya. Its next stops are Egypt and finally the Rafah border crossing, where it will deliver supplies directly to the people of Gaza in coordination with the Red Crescent.

‘I have to do it myself’: Naidu

She is the sole Indian participant on the land convoy after two other Indian nationals who had been expected to join withdrew due to a family emergency, according to a member of the ground team for the Indian delegation. Earlier plans for Indians to join the maritime convoy had also been affected by visa rejections and logistical difficulties. “We originally started with about ten people for the sea convoy,” the ground team member said. “The number dropped to one for various reasons, including visa........

© The Wire