Over 200 pro-Palestinian activists detained in Egypt

Egyptian authorities have detained over 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Cairo, according to France 24, citing AFP. The arrests took place on June 12 as participants were preparing to march toward the Rafah border crossing, demanding greater humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.

The group reportedly included individuals from a number of countries, including Algeria, Australia, France, Morocco, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.

The detainees were part of the Global March to Gaza, a coordinated effort involving thousands of activists who had planned to reach Egypt’s Rafah crossing on Friday to press for increased aid flow into the besieged Palestinian enclave.

“Over 200 participants were detained at Cairo airport or questioned at hotels across Cairo,” the march’s spokesperson, Saif Abukeshek, told AFP.

According to Abukeshek, plainclothes security officers entered several hotels in the capital on June 11, armed with lists of names. They reportedly questioned activists, searched their belongings, and in some instances, confiscated mobile phones.

“After interrogations, some were arrested and others were released,” he said.

At Cairo airport, several individuals were allegedly held for hours without being given a reason, while others were deported. Abukeshek did not specify how many were removed from the country.

More than 20 French nationals intending to take part in the Gaza solidarity march were detained at Cairo airport for 18 hours, according to Abukeshek.

Video footage shared with AFP showed a crowded holding room filled with people and luggage, suggesting prolonged detentions.

One French traveller, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity after being released, said he was confined with around 15 others. He estimated that 50 to 60 people were stopped at the airport, including elderly individuals and families.

Dozens of Greek participants were also detained at Cairo airport, they were reportedly released after spending 10 hours in custody.

The Global March to Gaza noted that several detainees were being freed following the arrival of diplomatic representatives who provided “consular assistance to the detained participants.”

The detentions come as international calls intensify for increased humanitarian access to Gaza. After 21 months of war, Israel is under growing pressure to ease restrictions, with the United Nations describing the territory as “the hungriest place on Earth.”

Israel has urged Egyptian authorities “to prevent the arrival of jihadist protesters at the Egypt-Israel border,” according to Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Such gatherings, he warned, “would endanger the safety of (Israeli) soldiers and will not be allowed.”

In response, Egypt’s foreign ministry stated that while it supports initiatives aimed at putting “pressure on Israel,” it emphasised that any foreign delegations planning to visit the border area must obtain prior approval through official channels.

France 24/ Maghrebi.org