Cairo: Pro-Palestinian activists aiming to march to Gaza to challenge Israel’s blockade were halted on Friday in both Libya and Egypt, according to organizers. The activists, part of the Global March to Gaza, reported that 40 participants had their passports confiscated at a checkpoint while leaving Cairo, facing detention in the heat without permission to move. Additionally, 15 individuals were reportedly held in hotels.
According to Nam News Network, video footage later emerged showing Egyptian security forces disrupting protestors’ sit-ins, with reports of women being mistreated and forcibly moved onto buses. Activist Florence Heskia described the incident, while another protestor, Nadia, mentioned that their passports were confiscated, and they were being coerced to board buses for deportation.
The Global March to Gaza had planned for approximately 4,000 participants from over 40 countries to convene in Cairo before traveling by bus to El-Arish in the Sinai Peninsula and then marching 50 kilometers to t
he Gaza border. The plan included camping near the border before returning to Cairo by June 19.
Separately, the Soumoud convoy, originating from Tunisia, faced a standstill at the Libyan city of Sirte. Tunisian organizer Wael Naouar shared via Facebook that their passage was barred, and the convoy, which included around a thousand North African activists, awaited authorization from Egyptian authorities to proceed to Gaza. Conflicting reports from security officials left Naouar uncertain about their ability to continue, though he firmly stated their intention not to turn back.
In Cairo, the heavy security presence led to the arrest of one individual as activists attempted to assemble. Earlier, organizers claimed that Egyptian authorities detained over 200 activists, with some deported and others released.
Hichem Al Ghaoui, a coordinator for the Global March, expressed surprise on TikTok at the severity of the arrests, deportations, and threats faced by participants. Egypt’s foreign ministry previously noted
its support for applying pressure on Israel but emphasized that any delegations visiting border areas require official approval.