Egyptian authorities have stopped a planned Global March to Gaza, detaining or deporting dozens of activists from around 80 nations who aimed to trek toward Gaza via Sinai. Checkpoints near Ismailia intercepted participants, confiscating passports and arresting at least 88 individuals, with organizers reporting up to 200 detained.
Many were expelled from Cairo International Airport, including around 73 flown to Istanbul. Among those detained were Irish MP Paul Murphy, Turkish delegates, and former U.S. diplomat Hala Rharrit. Some detained at Sinai checkpoints plan hunger strikes unless released.
Egypt maintains strict controls in the sensitive Sinai region, requiring official authorization for any march or convoy to Rafah. Officials stress national security concerns despite public statements opposing Gaza aid restrictions. Israel’s defense minister called the effort destabilizing and urged Egypt to firmly block any border access.
Meanwhile, a parallel “Soumoud” aid convoy from Tunisia into Libya was also halted in Sirte by eastern Libyan authorities citing coordination lapses.
Activists vow to continue. The international campaign, including planned marches and convoys, aims to pressure Israel and Egypt to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza ahead of a scheduled protest camp at Rafah on June 15.
