Cairo, 14 June – Egyptian security forces have detained more than 1,000 activists seeking to join a cross-border protest in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, effectively halting the Global March to Gaza at the edge of the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya, organisers said on Saturday.
The activists—who included citizens from the United States, Australia, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Algeria, and Morocco—had planned to travel from Cairo to the North Sinai city of El-Arish and proceed to the Rafah crossing on the Gaza border. Organisers said the group aimed to peacefully challenge the Israeli blockade on the territory by symbolically crossing the border.
Maktoob Media journalist Nikita Jain, among those detained, reported that Egyptian authorities seized the passports of around 1,000 marchers upon arrival in Ismailiya. Jain, who had been covering the march since its departure from Tunisia through Libya and into Egypt, said tensions escalated as security forces prevented media coverage and barred photography or videography at the scene.
“We were blocked for six to seven hours before security forces violently dispersed our group,” one organiser told media according to information reached The Chenab Times.
According to the march’s spokesperson, Saif Abukeshek, more than 200 activists were detained in Ismailiya alone. While some have since been released, dozens remain in custody. Egyptian officials have not issued a formal statement on the detentions but previously warned that foreign delegations planning to travel to the Gaza border must secure prior authorisation.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry reiterated in earlier statements that while Cairo supports international pressure on Israel to end the blockade, movements near the sensitive border zone must comply with national security regulations.
This marks the second wave of detentions and deportations linked to the Global March. On June 10, over three dozen activists—most holding European passports—were deported upon arrival at Cairo International Airport. Officials stated they had intended to travel to North Sinai without proper clearance. Sources said 73 activists were deported to Istanbul, with approximately 100 more awaiting deportation.
Organisers maintain they followed all protocols laid out by Egyptian authorities. The future of the march remains unclear as legal teams and international supporters assess next steps.
The Rafah crossing remains Gaza’s only access point not controlled by Israel. Israel has imposed a land, air, and sea blockade on the territory since 2007, citing security concerns, though critics argue it has led to severe humanitarian consequences for the population of over 2 million Palestinians.
The Global March to Gaza is a civil society-led initiative involving international participants who seek to mobilize awareness and solidarity for Palestinians through non-violent demonstrations.
Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.