Egypt Blocks Activists from Gaza March Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Egypt has announced that its side of the Rafah crossing remains open; however, access to the Gaza Strip has been effectively barred since Israel took control of the Palestinian side amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The situation escalated as Egyptian authorities intervened to prevent activists from participating in a planned march to Gaza aimed at challenging Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid.
On Thursday, both Egyptian officials and the activists reported that dozens were deported from Cairo International Airport, where many arrived carrying European passports, attempting to join the demonstration. Organizers expressed their determination to proceed with the event regardless of the setbacks. For months, participants have planned to trek approximately 50 kilometers from Arish City in Egypt to the Gaza border on Sunday, hoping to build international moral and media pressure to open the Rafah crossing and alleviate the blockade that restricts aid entry.
Despite attempts to coordinate with various Egyptian embassies, activists learned that they had not secured the necessary authorization for their march. According to an Egyptian official, more than thirty activists, primarily targeting the Northern Sinai region, were deported due to failure to obtain required documentation. This situation has drawn attention from their home countries, as governments look to protect their nationals from possible detention. A French diplomatic representative confirmed ongoing communication with Egyptian authorities concerning the status of French citizens who were denied entry.
The Egyptian government has taken a firm stance on the issue, having publicly criticized the restrictions imposed on Gaza, while also expressing calls for an end to the war. Although access remains blocked, Egypt claims the Rafah crossing itself is open. The tensions surrounding this incident come in the wake of Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas, which has led to a humanitarian crisis for the Gaza population.
In an official statement, Egypt's foreign ministry cited national security concerns as a basis for the stringent measures. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled the protestors as jihadists, urging Egypt to take action against them, asserting that their actions could threaten the stability of the Egyptian regime and moderate Arab governments in the region.
The proposed march, planned shortly after a large convoy of activists traveled across North Africa to reach Egypt, faced significant challenges as activists and their legal representatives reported detentions and deportations with little clarity from Egyptian authorities. Among the affected individuals were several participants from Algeria and Tunisia.
Organizers indicated they had kept in close communication with Egyptian officials and were hopeful the march could proceed peacefully. They have issued statements affirming their commitment to following necessary protocols and providing any additional information that might satisfy the Egyptian government's requirements.
The Global March to Gaza marks the latest effort by civil society to demand the unimpeded entry of food, fuel, medical supplies, and other critical aid into the besieged enclave. Since imposing a total blockade in March, Israel has sought to pressure Hamas into disarmament and secure the release of hostages from the October 7 attack, which ignited the present conflict. While Israel previously moderated some restrictions to allow limited aid, experts warn that these efforts do not address the escalating humanitarian needs.
Food security studies suggest that without an end to the blockade or military operations, the situation in Gaza could lead to widespread famine. Reports indicate that nearly half a million Palestinians are at risk of starvation, and another million are struggling to fulfill basic nutritional needs. Contrary to the findings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Israel has dismissed claims of impending famine and questioned the credibility of previous IPC forecasts regarding food security.
As the situation continues to unfold, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire and urgent, with activists worldwide rallying to draw attention to the pressing need for aid and a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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