Diplomatic Humanitarian Convoy to Gaza – Q&A
What is the Diplomatic Humanitarian Convoy?
The Diplomatic Humanitarian Convoy is an international initiative grounded in international law, aimed at breaking the siege on aid entering Gaza and restoring humanitarian access. It is envisioned to be led by diplomats, government officials, and parliamentarians from around the world – joined by humanitarian actors and international media. The convoy will attempt to enter Gaza through the Rafah Crossing to deliver emergency aid and affirm the legal protections afforded to humanitarian access under international law.
Who is organizing this initiative?
The convoy is the result of a unified call by over 1,000 Palestinian, regional, and international human rights organizations, issued in response to atrocity crimes in Gaza – particularly the deliberate use of starvation as a method of warfare.
Why is it necessary?
We are witnessing, in real time, the deliberate starvation of over 2 million Palestinians. This call comes in response to Israel’s complete blockade of all humanitarian aid and life-saving assistance to Gaza, which began in March 2025 and lasted for nearly three months — a policy widely recognized as genocidal under the Genocide Convention. UN agencies have raised the alarm about an impending full-scale famine, while over 9,000 trucks carrying desperately needed aid remain stalled at the border.
This convoy is a peaceful, lawful action to demand immediate humanitarian access, apply diplomatic pressure, and fulfill the obligations of third states to prevent atrocity crimes, including genocide.
“This is a necessary and urgent measure. If civilians risk their lives to deliver aid -as we saw with the Freedom Flotilla- the bare minimum is for diplomats to act. Continued inaction will enable mass starvation and erode the credibility of the international legal system.”
Do you have a confirmed date?
Not yet. We are currently inviting states and parliamentarians to pledge participation “if and when the convoy materializes”, since a fixed date is contingent on Egyptian approval -still under discussion via the Palestinian Authority.
Given the catastrophic famine and the loss of life it causes daily, we are pushing for the convoy to take place as soon as possible –ideally within the last 10 days of June– but nothing is yet guaranteed.
Does the UN support the convoy?
Consultations with UN actors are ongoing. A public statement in support of the convoy from UN Special Rapporteurs is expected soon. Francesca Albanese (UN Special Rapporteur on the oPt) and Michael Fakhri (UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food) have already publicly endorsed the convoy and called on states to facilitate and join it.
Have any diplomats or countries confirmed participation?
Yes, there is growing interest. While an official list is not yet public, engagement is ongoing with parliamentarians and diplomats across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and elsewhere. A number of Members of the European Parliament have already spoken publicly in support of the convoy. More confirmations will be shared as they are finalized.
Why do states have a legal obligation to confront the deliberate famine — and therefore support the convoy as a necessary option?
International law obliges states to act in the face of atrocity crimes:
- The 2024 ICJ Advisory Opinion found Israel’s occupation of the oPt to be unlawful and called for its immediate end.
- The Genocide Convention and the Geneva Conventions require states to prevent genocide, ensure respect for humanitarian law, and not assist in unlawful acts such as collective punishment or the use of starvation as a weapon.
- A UN General Assembly resolution in December 2024 reiterated these obligations, calling on all states to ensure compliance with international law.
“States are legally and morally obliged to act. Turning a blind eye to mass starvation and an unlawful blockade undermines the international legal system and enables further violations of human rights and humanitarian norms.”
What can the public do to help?
The public plays a vital role in building the momentum and pressure needed for this convoy. If you’re someone who stands against the use of starvation as a weapon, then we desperately need your help. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Reach out to your MPs or government officials: Ask them to: A) Commit to joining the Convoy. B) Encourage their states to participate and lead the charge. C) Publicly back the convoy.
- Get involved in public events: Organize or take part in lawful discussions and awareness efforts, making the message: “Send a Diplomatic Convoy Now” central.
- Amplify our message: Share the information and campaign materials (provided below) far and wide on your social media accounts.
Direct public pressure can influence decision-makers and help secure political support for this life-saving initiative.
Is this initiative connected to others such as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition or the Global March to Gaza?
All efforts to confront the famine in Gaza in accordance with international law are important. However, the Diplomatic Humanitarian Convoy is a distinct initiative. Participation in this convoy is strictly limited to states and official representatives – such as diplomats, parliamentarians, and other government officials. Unlike other initiatives that may include citizens, influencers, or human rights defenders, this convoy underscores the responsibility of states as the primary duty-bearers under international law. Its objective is to compel states and their representatives to uphold international law, prevent genocide, and confront the use of starvation as a method of warfare
How can organizations join or support the convoy?
If you represent a non-governmental organization (NGO), you are welcome to reach out to us via this email (diplomatic.convoy@gmail.com) to join or support the convoy. NGOs are also encouraged to:
- Disseminate the unified call,
- Encourage endorsements from relevant stakeholders,
- Engage governments and officials through all lawful means to advocate for their support and participation in the convoy.
How can individual diplomats and parliamentarians express interest in joining or supporting the convoy?
If you are a diplomat or parliamentarian and wish to support the convoy -either by joining it directly or by advocating for it within your government or parliament- please contact us via this email (diplomatic.convoy@gmail.com). We will provide the necessary information and help facilitate your participation or advocacy efforts.
What is the timeline of the convoy, and how will coordination be managed?
We are currently inviting states, diplomats, and parliamentarians to confirm their willingness to join the convoy “if and when it materializes.” This conditional confirmation is necessary because the convoy’s scheduling depends on securing approval from Egypt -a process currently being pursued through diplomatic channels led by the Palestinian authorities.
Our tentative aim is for the convoy to take place during the last 10 days of June, although this is not yet guaranteed.
Once a parliamentarian or diplomat completes the registration process, we will maintain communication via email. Upon receiving approval from Egypt, we will share participants’ names and contact details with Egyptian authorities and the Palestinian Authority to coordinate their involvement in the convoy.
Are there public materials available to support the convoy?
Yes. The following resources can be shared to support and promote the convoy:
- The unified call to launch the Diplomatic Humanitarian Convoy via the Rafah Crossing.
- Francesca Albanese’s tweet expressing support for the convoy.
- A recorded webinar featuring Palestinian voices from the ground, expert insights, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Michael Fakhri, and two Members of the European Parliament. The discussion clearly voiced support for the convoy.
- Over 400 international legal scholars and practitioners have signed a petition backing the initiative.
- Op-eds supporting the Convoy have also been published by Jessica Whyte on ABC Australia, and by Omar Shakir and Shahd Hammouri at Human Rights Watch.
Need more information? Contact us at: (diplomatic.convoy@gmail.com)
