In recent developments, Egyptian authorities have thwarted activists’ efforts to march towards the Gaza border in solidarity with the humanitarian issues arising due to Israel’s blockade on the area. This move came as a significant setback for those aiming to draw international attention to the plight in Gaza.
Plans had been in place for months for a march spanning approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the Egyptian city of Arish to the Rafah border crossing. The goal was to generate international pressure to reopen this gateway and allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, where residents continue to grapple with shortages.
Saif Abu Keshek, an activist organizing the march, reported that roughly 200 activists, primarily from Algeria and Morocco, faced detention or deportation. Despite these challenges, arrivals at Cairo’s International Airport later in the day were permitted entry into Egypt. However, march organizers are yet to secure authorization from Egyptian authorities and are considering their next steps.
An Egyptian official, under anonymity, stated that many activists, mainly Europeans, were deported due to lacking necessary permits for traveling to Northern Sinai, indicating a complex interplay of local sensitivities and security concerns in the region. Egypt has publicly appealed for an end to restrictions on Gaza but maintains firm control over movement through sensitive border areas.
Israel Katz, Israel’s defense minister, referred to the protestors as “jihadists,” urging Egypt to prevent their approach to Gaza, highlighting the geopolitical tensions at play. The activists’ attempt follows a substantial convoy’s journey across North Africa to Egypt, underscoring broad support for Gaza despite diplomatic complexities.
Reports from activists and lawyers suggest detentions and deportations commenced on Wednesday without transparent reasons. This situation has prompted diplomatic attention from the activists’ home countries, seeking to safeguard their citizens against arrest under claims of unauthorized demonstrations.
France, amongst other countries, is engaged with Egyptian authorities concerning its citizens, asserting the importance of consular protection. The non-profit initiative, Global March to Gaza, symbolizes a larger civil society push for the entry of essential supplies into the besieged area. Despite slight easements, the shortage remains dire, with fears of famine if the attacks and blockade persist.
Food security experts have raised alarms about the possibility of famine in Gaza if the blockade continues, with hundreds of thousands facing severe hunger. The substantial risk has intensified calls for action, despite Israel’s dismissal of the alarming findings.
The ongoing conflict reportedly resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza’s Health Ministry stating over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed, a number that includes more than half of women and children. The repercussions of this blockade and war continue to impact the already strained region with no immediate resolution in sight.