Egyptian Authorities Block Activists from Joining Gaza Aid Convoy

June 13, 2025 – Egyptian authorities have blocked hundreds of international activists from participating in the Sumoud Convoy, a major humanitarian initiative aiming to deliver aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The convoy, which sought to break the blockade at Rafah and draw global attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, faced severe restrictions as activists were detained or deported upon arrival in Egypt.

More than 200 pro-Palestinian activists, many holding European passports, were detained at Cairo International Airport over the past two days, according to Egyptian officials. Others were deported immediately, with reports indicating that entire groups, including Moroccans, were denied entry. Organizers said they had coordinated with Egyptian embassies in their home countries, but Egyptian authorities insisted the activists lacked the necessary permits to travel to the sensitive Sinai Peninsula border region.

The planned march, part of the Global March on Gaza, was expected to bring together activists from over 80 countries. Their goal was to march approximately 50 kilometers from Arish to the Rafah border crossing on Sunday, generating international pressure to open the crossing and allow desperately needed aid into Gaza. However, Egyptian authorities have maintained that the Rafah crossing remains open on their side, blaming Israel’s control of the Palestinian side for the ongoing blockade.

Tensions escalated further as some detained activists reported being attacked by supporters of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi while in custody. Meanwhile, solidarity demonstrations erupted in Ankara, Turkey, where protestors condemned Egypt’s actions and called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

The standoff has placed diplomatic pressure on several European governments, with French officials confirming they are in close contact with Egyptian authorities to ensure consular protection for their nationals who were refused entry or detained.

Despite the crackdown, organizers vowed not to cancel the convoy, emphasizing their commitment to highlighting the dire situation in Gaza. They have called on the Egyptian government to allow peaceful demonstrations and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, aligning with Egypt’s stated support for alleviating the crisis in Gaza.

The incident has reignited debate over Egypt’s role in the Gaza blockade and its responsibility in ensuring the flow of humanitarian assistance amid ongoing regional conflict and a deepening humanitarian emergency in the enclave.