Longwy: Bariza Bengas-Chagaar will march to Rafah to break the humanitarian blockade

The decision is anything but impulsive. It's a slow, painful resolution, shaped by the bombardments in Gaza. At 57, Bariza Bengas-Chagaar has chosen to no longer remain silent. On June 13, this educator from Longwy will fly to Cairo, then walk to the Rafah border with hundreds of other civilians from 37 countries. Through the “March to Gaza,” a vast international mobilization planned for June 15, she hopes to force the opening of a humanitarian corridor. Without weapons, without telephones, and without any other protection.

The project, launched in May by a transnational collective, is taking on an unprecedented scale. “In response to state inaction, ordinary citizens are rising up. I'm not afraid. I want to break the silence,” Bariza breathes. She leaves with a keffiyeh, a few personal belongings, and the worried but solid approval of her loved ones. “I know I may never return. But I lost members of my in-laws in Gaza. And I don't want to look away anymore.”

In parallel with the land march, a humanitarian flotilla left the port of Naples last Sunday. On board were twelve volunteers, including activist Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan. Their goal: to reach the Gaza Strip by sea to deliver aid and symbolically break the blockade . Unidentified drones have already been reported along their route. "All eyes are on this boat. We hope it will hold out until the end. We know the risks," comments Bariza.

She herself has no illusions. The Egyptian authorities have already repressed similar attempts. But she remains determined: "I'm leaving for those who can no longer flee. For those who are waiting, hungry, for someone to finally look at them." Her trip is self-funded, and a fundraising drive is being organized in her region before departure. The funds will be used to purchase medical equipment and essential goods, to be distributed if the corridor is opened.

As the Israeli military operation in Rafah intensifies, civilians continue to be trapped. More than 36,000 have died, according to Gaza health authorities. A humanitarian catastrophe recognized by the UN. Bariza, for her part, has made her choice: to walk, with no certainty of being heard. "Because she can no longer look away," concludes the mother.