The international Palestine Convoy, which set out from Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in solidarity with the Palestinian people, has called for the immediate resolution of an unjustified obstruction at Iraq’s Ibrahim Khalil Border Crossing.

The convoy, which began its journey on July 25 and traveled through several European countries before reaching Türkiye, completed its passage through the country and entered Iraq via the Habur Border Crossing.

However, the convoy has been held at the Ibrahim Khalil crossing since Tuesday evening, prompting organizers to hold a press conference and call on Iraqi authorities and the international community to facilitate its onward journey to the West Bank.

‘Our Peaceful Convoy Has Been Stopped Without Explanation’

Ali Cengiz, the coordinating chairman of the Palestine Convoy, said the group had traveled through four countries without facing any obstruction and had remained in contact with Iraqi authorities for approximately two months.

Cengiz stressed that the convoy is a peaceful civilian initiative that has complied with international regulations throughout its journey.

“Our convoy, which set out from Bosnia on July 25, has now reached the border of the fifth country. We crossed the four countries we passed through in full compliance with international law, peacefully and without any obstruction,” he said.

However, he said the convoy was stopped after reaching the Iraqi border without being given a clear explanation.

“We have not received a clear answer regarding the reason for stopping our convoy,” Cengiz said, describing the situation as unacceptable.

He emphasized that the convoy had maintained diplomatic communication with Iraqi authorities for two months and urged officials to resolve the matter without further delay.

Organizers Warn of Health Risks

The organizers also expressed concern about the prolonged wait under extreme heat, warning that the conditions could pose serious health risks, particularly for children, women and elderly participants.

Cengiz called for immediate action to prevent possible health problems and allow the convoy to resume its journey.

“There are children, women and elderly people waiting here under extreme heat. Health problems may occur under these conditions,” he said.

He appealed to Iraqi authorities, relevant officials and diplomatic representatives to help open the route as soon as possible.

‘We Want to Reach the West Bank’

Cengiz said the convoy organizers remained confident in the Iraqi people’s and government’s support for the Palestinian cause.

“We want the way for our convoy to be opened as soon as possible and for us to reach our destination, the West Bank,” he said.

He also called on supporters around the world to keep the situation on the public agenda and stand in solidarity with the convoy.

“We expect support from all relevant authorities, staff and country representatives on this matter, and we ask our peoples to stand behind us and keep this issue on the agenda,” Cengiz said.

The Palestine Convoy was launched as an international civilian solidarity initiative aimed at expressing support for the Palestinian people and drawing attention to the continuing humanitarian crisis and Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Organizers say they intend to continue their journey toward the West Bank once permission to proceed is granted. (ILKHA)