CAIRO: Egyptian authorities have reportedly detained more than 200 pro-Palestinian activists in Cairo ahead of an international march aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade on Gaza, according to event organisers.l, reported the Times of India.
The activists, who had gathered in Egypt as part of the Global March to Gaza, were planning to head towards the Rafah border crossing on Friday to demand the delivery of humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Saif Abukeshek, a spokesperson for the march, confirmed that over 200 participants were either detained at Cairo International Airport or questioned at various hotels across the city. Detainees include citizens from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Morocco, and Algeria.
Abukeshek stated that plainclothes officers entered hotels on Wednesday, interrogated individuals from a pre-listed group, and in some cases, confiscated their mobile phones and searched personal belongings. Some were arrested, while others were released. At the airport, detainees were reportedly held for hours without explanation, and some were deported.
One notable incident involved 20 French activists who were held for 18 hours at Cairo airport. Footage shared with AFP showed dozens of people confined in a crowded holding area with their luggage. A German national in one video expressed concern, saying, “I called the embassy and they told me their people are trying to figure things out.”
The Greek delegation also reported that many of its members were detained, despite holding valid travel documents and having complied with Egyptian legal entry procedures.
Cairo’s security chief did not respond to media inquiries regarding the detentions.
The Global March to Gaza, working in coordination with another convoy called Soumoud (meaning “steadfastness” in Arabic), plans to bring together around 4,000 participants from over 40 countries. The convoy began its journey in Tunisia on Monday and aims to cross through Libya and Egypt, although official travel permissions are still pending.
The march itinerary includes travel by bus to El-Arish in the Sinai Peninsula, followed by a 50-kilometre walk to the Gaza border. Participants plan to camp near the border and return to Cairo by June 19.
The campaign has unfolded amid rising international pressure on Israel to allow greater humanitarian access to Gaza. The United Nations recently described Gaza as “the hungriest place on Earth” due to the prolonged conflict and blockade.
Meanwhile, Israel has urged Egypt to prevent the activists from reaching the border, claiming their presence poses a threat to its soldiers. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated such movements “would endanger the safety of Israeli soldiers and will not be allowed.”
In response, Egypt’s foreign ministry reiterated its support for pressuring Israel but emphasized that any foreign delegation visiting sensitive areas must obtain prior approval through official channels.
Despite the detentions, organisers remain determined to proceed. “We will continue despite what happened because the current numbers in Egypt and those expected to arrive are enough to organise this march,” Abukeshek said.
