A resident of Quebec was forced to retreat from the World March to Gaza at the Egyptian border.
Unraveling the Gaza March Drama: Egyptian Crackdown on Global Protesters
Egypt's Iron Grip: Hundreds of Global Protesters Detained or Expelled at Cairo's Doors
A chilling scene unfolded at the Egyptian border as participants from the World March to Gaza, a massive demonstration spanning 84 countries, encountered an unexpected and hostile reception. Over 200 participants were either detained at Cairo Airport or their hotels on Wednesday and Thursday, leaving numerous nations scrambling for answers.
Canada Caught in the Crossfire: Quebecer Denied Entry, Canadian Delegation Silent
Among the mixed delegations was a group of around 100 Canadians, one of whom, a dual citizen, was turned away at the Egyptian border. As of Thursday afternoon, the Canadian delegation remained tight-lipped about the expulsion, leaving many questioning Egypt's rationale.
The Sun Sets on Freedom: Thousands Aggregate in Cairo, March to Gaza Planned for Friday
Despite the encounters, thousands of activists remain adamant, congregating in Cairo to embark on a 50-kilometer march to Rafah, a crossing point on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Their goal is to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with the UN estimating that 2.1 million Gazans face the threat of starvation as a result of the Israeli blockade.[1]
"We are not jihadists, we are not terrorists. We are just average people who can't bear to witness the ongoing unfolding right now" – Baya El Hachemi[1]
Ensnared in Egypt's Web: Countries Affected, Detentions by the Numbers
Swiss doctor Hicham El Ghaoui, a spokesperson for the March, detailed the detentions to Le Devoir. The numbers speak for themselves: 20 French delegates were "arrested, questioned, and luggage searched," 26 Spanish delegates "arrested and detained," 12 Moroccan delegates "deported," and 70 Algerian delegates "detained," with 40 of them subsequently expelled. Teams from Norway, Sweden and more have also faced troubles, with two Norwegian delegates "arrested at their hotel," and a Swedish delegate "unreachable for over 12 hours after a police raid at their hotel."[1]
Piecing Together the Puzzle: Videos, Testimonies, and Confiscated Passports
Videos sent to Le Devoir reveal the extent of the crackdown, with participants chanting "Gaza, the world is with you" on a plane and claims of passport confiscations by Egyptian authorities on the tarmac.[1]
Tensions Escalate: Israel Pressures Egypt, Egypt Struggles to Strike a Balance
On Wednesday, Israel demanded that Egypt prohibit any "provocative" pro-Palestinian activity and any "attempt to enter Gaza," citing security concerns.[1] In response, Egypt publicly condemned the "flagrant violations" of international law by Israel, while reiterating the necessity of applying pressure on Israel to lift the Gaza blockade. However, it also reminded participants of the need to obtain prior authorization for any pro-Palestinian activity, highlighting Egypt's delicate dance between maintaining regional stability and humanitarian concerns.[1]
The Cat and Mouse Game: Organizers, Egyptian Authorities Battle for Freedom
Organizers argue that they have adhered to all protocols and initiated official procedures to obtain the necessary permits. They urge Egyptian authorities to release all detainees and allow the participants to enter, reiterating their peaceful intentions.[1]
Egypt's Gaze Turns East: Multiple Pro-Palestinian Moves Coalesce
In addition to the World March to Gaza, Soumoud convoy, and Madleen flotilla, another sea of activists—hailing from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania—are marching towards the border, attempting to "break the Israeli blockade."[1]
Egypt, the Gatekeeper: An Uncertain Future for the World March to Gaza
As the global demonstration sets to begin on Friday, the fate of thousands remains uncertain. Detained participants continue to languish in custody, while others have been forced to return to their countries of origin. The World March to Gaza stands as a testament to the collective resolve of a global community in pursuit of justice and freedom for the people of Gaza, faced with a seemingly impassable wall of governmental indifference and repression.
[1] Le Devoir (https://www.ledevoir.com/actualites-la-belle-et-le-monde/2025/04/01/carrer-la-marche-mondiale-sur-gaza-3-mouvements-alignees-mais-independantes)
Behind the Headlines: Security Concerns, Protest Restrictions, Regional Politics
The World March to Gaza has sparked fierce debate, with many questioning Egypt's motives for its crackdown on the demonstrators. A closer look reveals several factors that may have led to Egypt's decision to detain and expel hundreds of activists:
- Security Concerns: Egyptian authorities view these marches as a threat to state security and regional stability. They have been cautious about allowing large gatherings, especially those critical of Israel, given Egypt's strategic ties with both Israel and the U.S.[2][3].
- Protest Restrictions: Egypt requires any protests or marches to be coordinated in advance with government entities. Despite organizers claiming they followed protocols, Egyptian authorities apparently did not approve the march, leading to detention and deportation of participants[4].
- Regional Politics: Egypt's stance is also influenced by its relations with other Arab countries and its role in regional politics. The government likely seeks to maintain stability and avoid being seen as supporting actions that could be perceived as challenging regional security[5].
Amidst the Geopolitical Landscape: Politics, Security, and Global News Converge
The recent detentions and expulsions of global protesters at the Egyptian border during the World March to Gaza raise pertinent questions about the interplay of geopolitics, conflict, justice, and general news.
Questioning Egypt's Actions: Balancing Security Concerns and Freedom of Assembly
With numerous countries reporting incidents of detentions and expulsions, scrutiny is mounting over Egypt's handling of the situation, particularly in regards to its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and freedom of assembly.
