Egypt Blocks Global Gaza Convoy: Violence, Detentions Trigger Worldwide Outrage (image-X/HerNameIs_Bea)
Thousands of international pro-Palestine protestors marching to Gaza had been blocked at Egypt’s border crossing during the Global March to Gaza event, allegedly stating security concerns as the reason. On the other hand, the videos of attacks on members of the Gaza Solidarity convoy in Egypt had sparked widespread outrage on social media. This had come amid allegations mounting against the Cairo government for obstructing the international efforts to bring in humanitarian aid for the Gazans to the Rafah border.
The footages of activists being assaulted by a group of men who were addressed as “thugs” in the circulated video in the city of Ismailia was condemned by pro-Palestine groups and rights advocates. According to the reports of The New Arab, the group of men are believed to be baltagiya, gangs previously used by the Egyptian government to attack its political opponents, though this could not be verified.
Read also: How The Strait Of Hormuz Plays A Major Role In The Israel-Iran Conflict
The demonstrators across the world who had joined in the march were seen being forcibly dispersed in the videos. According to an Al Jazeera report, a Turkish member of the parliament was injured during the crackdown.
While several others have reported that their passports were confiscated after being detained by the local authorities. “Our passports have been confiscated and we are held at one of the checkpoints without being permitted to proceed,” Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.
“We have been violently dragged into the buses here at the first checkpoint on the way to Ismailia. They have beaten people. I have seen one woman that was beaten in her face in front of me. They didn’t leave time to grab the luggage or anything. Now, we are beaten and the bus is now full of people,” Melanie Schweizer, Global March to Gaza organiser said.
Yet another video that had gone viral on social media was that of a Welsh nurse who was seen pleading to the soldiers to allow the march to proceed.
“For humanity and for love, stand with your brothers and sisters in Palestine.”
Activists from around the world arrived in Egypt to take part in the convoy aiming to pressure Israel to allow the delivery of aid and supplies into Gaza. Dozens of the foreign participants were deported on Friday for ‘violating entry protocols’, while hundreds had to remain in detention.
Read also: Israel Military Issues Evacuation Warning To Citizens In Iran
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, had said that the visit to the Rafah border must be pre-arranged but the organisers had confirmed that they had coordinated with the Egyptian authorities. However, those detained at Ismailia are determined to continue their fight for Gaza.
