Appeal for Egypt to open its borders for Gaza activists

The Global Coalition Against Occupation of Palestine, an initiative seeking to affirm the Palestinian people’s rights, has called on Egyptian authorities to ease the entry of over 4000 activists from 54 countries, according to the Middle East Monitor on June 11th.

Those seeking to enter Egypt include a European parliamentary delegation who plan to head to the city Al-Arish and then the Rafah border crossing in order to take part in a peaceful sit-in on June 15th.

The sit-in at the Rafah crossing is part of the Global March for Gaza, which Maghrebi reported on June 11th. The convoy of activists and volunteers is travelling from Tunisia to Gaza, aiming to raise awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and deliver aid.

The Global Coalition has stated that the movement to gain entry for thousands of activists into Egypt aims to demand an end to Israel’s blockade and for the crossings to open so that urgent food and medical supplies can be delivered.

Although Israel partially eased their blockade due to international pressure, there are around 1.3 million people in Gaza who need to receive food supplies, as food distribution centres are scenes of deadly chaos.

The appeal to Egyptian authorities includes an incentive for Egypt. Part of the coalition’s statement highlights that facilitating the mission of the convoy would be a clear message that Egypt is against the blockade and that they stand with Palestinians. 

On May 22nd, Egypt issued a joint condemnation with Pakistan of Israel’s actions in Gaza, and urged the international community to ensure uninterrupted aid.

Egypt’s official stance opposes genocide and affiliated acts like collective punishment, ethnic cleansing and forced displacement. The Global Occupation Against Occupation of Palestine are arguing that working with the movements would reflect this in action and bring more awareness to the crisis.

Middle East Monitor/Maghrebi