UK "activist" begs Egyptian police to let him march to Falasteen (Palestine) | WATCH

Egyptian authorities have blocked thousands of pro-Palestinian activists from participating in the Global March to Gaza, a civilian-led initiative aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip. The march, which drew participants from over 80 countries, was intended to culminate at the Rafah border crossing, but Egyptian security forces intervened, detaining and deporting hundreds of activists, according to organizers and multiple reports.

The Global March to Gaza, described as one of the largest demonstrations of its kind in recent years, aimed to pressure Israel to lift its blockade, which has restricted food, medical supplies, and other aid to Gaza since March 2, 2025. Organizers estimated that around 4,000 activists, including prominent figures like Irish politician Paul Murphy and former U.S. diplomat Hala Rharrit, planned to trek approximately 50 kilometers from Arish in North Sinai to the Rafah crossing to demand the opening of a humanitarian corridor.

However, Egyptian authorities thankfully cracked down on the movement before it could begin. On June 12 and 13, over 200 activists were detained at Cairo airport, hotels, and checkpoints, with many having their passports confiscated. Reports indicate that at least 73 foreign nationals were deported to Istanbul, while others faced questioning or were forcibly removed from buses en route to the Sinai Peninsula. One activist claimed they were “violently dragged” onto buses and “beaten” by Egyptian security forces, though these claims could not be independently verified.

Paul Murphy, an Irish parliament member, was among those detained. In a video posted on X, he expressed concern that Egyptian authorities were acting to prevent the "peaceful march", stating, “It’s looking worrying that the Egyptian authorities are going to act to prevent our peaceful march to Gaza, to demand that Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid, of food, of water, of medical supplies, is ended.” Murphy reported that his phone and passport were confiscated before he was placed on a bus to Cairo airport for deportation.