### Egypt Blocks Global March to Gaza: A Response to International Activism In a significant move, Egyptian authorities have halted the Global March to Gaza, which aimed to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region exacerbated by Israel's blockade. Thousands of pro-Palestine activists, including many foreign nationals, were prevented from reaching the Rafah crossing, with reports indicating that nearly 500 individuals were deported or detained as they attempted to participate in the march [https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/06/15/foreign-activists-resist-egypts-attempts-to-block-global-march-to-gaza]. The Egyptian government cited a lack of proper permissions for the planned demonstration, emphasizing its stance on maintaining order and security [https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2025/6/15/egypt-stops-pro-palestine-activists-in-their-march-to-gaza]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the March** - The Global March to Gaza was organized to protest against the Israeli blockade and to advocate for increased humanitarian aid access to the Palestinian territory. - Activists from over 40 countries were expected to participate, with plans to travel to the Rafah border crossing [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/egypt-blocks-activists-march-to-gaza-border-1885201]. 2. **Egypt's Response** - Egyptian authorities detained more than 200 activists in Cairo, with many facing deportation upon arrival at the airport [https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/egypt-detains-at-least-200-activists-planning-on-marching-to-gaza-in-cairo-125061300031_1.html]. - Security forces were deployed to prevent activists from reaching the border, citing security concerns and the need for official permissions for such gatherings [https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-12/egypt-blocks-activists-aiming-to-march-to-gaza-to-draw-attention-to-humanitarian-crisis]. 3. **International Reactions** - The actions taken by Egypt have drawn criticism from various international organizations and activists, who argue that the blockade and the prevention of peaceful protests violate human rights [https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/2025-06-12/ty-article/.premium/egypt-detains-hundreds-of-activists-planning-to-join-march-to-gaza-border/00000197-6446-d34b-ad97-f46fa14b0000]. - Activists have vowed to continue their efforts despite the setbacks, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/12/egypt-deports-dozens-of-activists-before-planned-march-to-gaza-border]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Detentions and Deportations**: - Over 200 activists were detained in Cairo, with many facing deportation [https://www.thedailystar.net/news/world/news/egypt-detains-over-200-pro-palestinian-activists-ahead-of-gaza-march-organisers-3915336]. - Nearly 500 individuals were reported to have been deported as of June 15, 2025 [https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/06/15/foreign-activists-resist-egypts-attempts-to-block-global-march-to-gaza]. - **International Participation**: - The march was expected to include participants from more than 40 countries, highlighting the global interest in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/egypt-blocks-activists-march-to-gaza-border-1885201]. ### Conclusion: The Implications of Egypt's Actions **Egypt's decision to block the Global March to Gaza reflects its complex position regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its own national security concerns.** 1. **Security Concerns**: The Egyptian government has emphasized the need to maintain order and prevent potential unrest at its borders [https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-12/egypt-blocks-activists-aiming-to-march-to-gaza-to-draw-attention-to-humanitarian-crisis]. 2. **International Pressure**: The actions taken by Egypt may lead to increased scrutiny and pressure from international human rights organizations advocating for Palestinian rights [https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/2025-06-12/ty-article/.premium/egypt-detains-hundreds-of-activists-planning-to-join-march-to-gaza-border/00000197-6446-d34b-ad97-f46fa14b0000]. 3. **Continued Activism**: Despite the setbacks, activists remain committed to their cause, indicating that the issue of humanitarian aid access to Gaza will continue to be a focal point of international activism [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/12/egypt-deports-dozens-of-activists-before-planned-march-to-gaza-border]. The situation remains fluid, and the international community will be watching closely as events unfold.