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Egypt Detains 200+ Pro-Palestinian Activists Ahead of Global March to Gaza
Over 200 pro-Palestinian activists detained in Cairo as Egypt cracks down ahead of Friday’s Global March to Gaza. Activists from 40+ countries vow to continue in solidarity with besieged Palestinians.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-12
Egypt Detains 200+ Pro-Palestinian Activists Ahead of Global March to Gaza

Cairo, June 12 — Egyptian authorities have detained more than 200 international pro-Palestinian activists in Cairo, just one day before a mass demonstration known as the Global March to Gaza was set to head toward the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The detained activists, who arrived in Egypt from over 40 countries, were part of a large-scale effort to break Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid through the Rafah border crossing.

Speaking to AFP, march spokesperson Saif Abukeshek confirmed that plainclothes Egyptian police raided hotels in Cairo, questioned guests, and in some cases confiscated phones and searched personal belongings.

“Over 200 participants were detained at Cairo airport or questioned at hotels,” Abukeshek said, adding that some were deported, while others were held for long hours without explanation.

International Participation Targeted

Those detained include citizens from the US, Australia, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Morocco, Algeria, and Greece. One German national described being locked in a crowded holding room for hours, noting that her embassy was trying to intervene.

The Greek contingent issued a public statement condemning the detentions, saying they followed all legal procedures and broke no laws upon entering Egypt.

Footage shared with the media showed dozens of detained individuals, some forced to sleep in holding rooms at the airport with their luggage, as diplomatic channels scrambled to respond.

“What happened was completely unexpected,” Abukeshek said.

The March Plan

The Global March to Gaza, coordinated alongside Tunisia’s Soumoud Convoy, aimed to bring 4,000 participants to the border with Gaza. Activists were scheduled to travel by bus to El-Arish, then walk approximately 50 kilometers to the Rafah crossing, camping near the area before returning to Cairo by June 19.

But Egyptian authorities, citing security concerns and lack of permits, began intercepting marchers upon arrival.

Rising Tensions

Israel, under pressure over its ongoing siege of Gaza, urged Egypt to block the march, calling the activists “jihadist protesters” and warning their presence could endanger Israeli soldiers.

“Such actions will not be allowed,” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said.

Egypt’s foreign ministry responded by affirming its support for putting “pressure on Israel”, but stressed that any border access must go through official channels.

Gaza: The Hungriest Place on Earth

The United Nations has repeatedly warned of catastrophic conditions in Gaza, dubbing it “the hungriest place on Earth”. With 21 months of war and continued blockades, humanitarian aid remains severely restricted.

Despite the crackdown, Abukeshek confirmed the march will continue:

“We will go on. The current numbers in Egypt and those expected to arrive are enough to organise this march.”
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