Egyptian authorities have deported dozens of foreign nationals who arrived to take part in a pro-Palestinian march toward Gaza, with more facing expulsion, organizers and airport sources said on Thursday.
The activists had gathered for the Global March to Gaza, an international campaign aimed at pressuring Israel to lift its blockade on the Gaza Strip and raising awareness about the worsening humanitarian crisis. Participants from over 80 countries were expected to march to Egypt’s Rafah crossing with Gaza.
Organizers confirmed that some activists were detained upon arrival in Cairo and others deported. Three airport officials told Reuters that at least 73 people were flown to Istanbul on Thursday, while around 100 more were still at the airport awaiting deportation. Authorities cited violations of entry procedures.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In previous statements, it said visits to the Rafah border region require prior coordination with Egyptian embassies or relevant state bodies.
March organizers said they followed all required protocols, coordinating with Egyptian embassies in more than 15 countries over the past two months. “We urge Egypt to release all detainees,” they said in a statement late Wednesday.
Israel has called the march a threat to regional security. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant ordered the military to prevent any demonstrators from entering Gaza via Egypt.
Egypt, which controls the only non-Israeli crossing into Gaza, says the Rafah crossing remains closed from the Gaza side due to Israeli military operations. Cairo has called on the international community to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid through.