Egypt detains activists marching to Gaza to protest blockade

In the wake of escalating tensions due to the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza, activists from around the globe began organizing efforts to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region. On June 9, 2025, a significant group of pro-Palestinian activists set out on a march, known as the Soumoud convoy, which aimed to reach Gaza from Tunisia. Included in this movement were over 1,000 participants from various countries including Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Tunisia. However, the convoy faced immediate challenges upon entering Libya, particularly in areas controlled by military commander Khalifa Haftar. The eastern Libyan authorities imposed a severe blockade, preventing access to essential supplies and resources for the convoy members. Participants reported a systematic siege and a lack of basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care. Notably, several members of the convoy, including bloggers documenting the event, were arrested, inciting widespread concern among supporters of the march. Simultaneously, a separate group, part of the Global March to Gaza initiative, was also making headlines when they encountered severe opposition from authorities in Egypt. This initiative featured participants from 80 countries, and its aim was to highlight aid restrictions on Gaza resulting from the situation with Hamas. On June 12, 2025, numerous activists were intercepted in Egypt, with reports of police brutality including beatings, confiscation of passports, and forced removal from assembly areas. Among those detained was Irish TD Paul Murphy, who later reported on the chaotic situation and expressed intentions to continue the march despite the disruption. This effort to draw attention to the plight of Gazans coincided with additional protests within Gaza itself, where a rare uprising against Hamas rule unfolded. These events have sparked renewed discussions around the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly following a recent Israeli military operation that had intensified the blockade. The overwhelming response from Egyptian security towards peaceful demonstrations poses critical questions regarding freedom of assembly and expression in the region. Each of these incidents—both in Libya and Egypt—highlights a broader narrative concerning the geopolitical complexities surrounding Gaza and the international community's reactions to humanitarian crises. While the activists aim to break the blockade and provide aid, their momentum is frequently thwarted by authoritative governmental pushback. As restrictions on aid deliveries continue, discussions surrounding the effectiveness and implications of international humanitarian efforts are entering a critical phase, prompting both protest and dialogue at grassroots levels around the world. Ultimately, these coordinated marches serve not only to challenge existing aid restrictions but also to foster a collective voice for the Palestinian people amid rising tensions and military operations that threaten their rights and existence. The response of the authorities further illuminates the tightrope between activism, politics, and humanitarian needs in the context of Gaza's ongoing struggles.