Thousands Rally in Egypt for Global March to Gaza Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches a breaking point, thousands of activists from around the world are converging on Egypt this week for a bold demonstration called the “Global March to Gaza.” Their mission? To challenge the harsh Israeli blockade that’s pushed Gaza’s 2 million residents dangerously close to famine and critical shortages.
Organizers say roughly 4,000 volunteers from over 80 countries are taking part. The plan is for these activists to arrive in Cairo, then travel by bus to the city of Arish in northern Sinai. From there, they will embark on a grueling 30-mile march through the desert to reach the Egyptian border crossing at Rafah, which leads into Gaza.
The marchers don’t intend to cross into Gaza itself. Instead, they plan to set up tents along the route and arrive at the border by Friday, aiming to shine a global spotlight on the dire humanitarian conditions inside the enclave — conditions made far worse by the ongoing blockade.
Egypt’s Tightrope Act
This march puts Egypt in a complicated spot. The country is a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict, maintaining diplomatic ties with both Israel and the United States. At the same time, Egypt’s own citizens have expressed outrage over the brutal impact the war is having on Gaza’s civilians.
The Egyptian government has kept the Rafah crossing closed to Palestinians since the conflict escalated, wary of the violence spilling over into its own territory. Balancing regional security concerns with growing public condemnation of the war’s toll has made Cairo’s role especially delicate.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly urged Egypt to prevent the marchers from reaching the border, warning that any attempt to enter Gaza would threaten the security of Israeli forces. “We will not allow provocations that endanger the IDF soldiers,” Katz said in a statement.
A Growing Global Movement
The international activists joining this march represent a broad coalition. Among them is Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and former South African lawmaker, lending a powerful symbolic voice to the cause.
Another notable participant is Hala Rharrit, a former U.S. State Department diplomat who resigned in protest during the Biden administration over Washington’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Speaking to CNN, Rharrit said, “Children are starving to death, and at this point, the only thing I feel I can do is action.”
Her words underscore the urgency felt by many involved: this isn’t just a protest but a plea for humanity. “Now is no longer the time for talk only. We need action,” she emphasized, pointing to the recent “Madleen” flotilla—an aid ship intercepted by Israel en route to Gaza that included activists like climate advocate Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan.
The March Logistics and Challenges
The activists’ journey is no small feat. After arriving in Cairo, they will take buses to Arish and begin their trek through the harsh Sinai desert to Rafah. Along the way, they will camp in tents, enduring tough conditions to make their statement.
But the march has faced significant hurdles. Organizers report that Egyptian authorities have not officially responded to their requests for cooperation or protection. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has insisted that all visiting delegations must secure permits prior to arrival, citing security concerns in the border region.
Despite following these regulations, some activists say they’ve encountered harassment and detentions upon arrival in Cairo. As of Thursday, organizers reported around 170 people facing delays and possible deportations at Cairo airport. Yet thousands remain determined to proceed with the march.
Voices from the Ground
Uzma Usmani, who is leading sponsorship and logistics for the UK delegation, told CNN, “This is just another tool—another way for the people to raise their voices, to let governments know we are not happy.” She added, “We need to take things into our own hands, raise awareness, and put pressure on governments to start taking real action.”
This grassroots momentum reflects growing frustration with international responses, which many see as inadequate amid the ongoing blockade.
The Humanitarian Blockade and Aid Crisis
Since March 2, Israel has imposed a full humanitarian blockade on Gaza, cutting off food, medical supplies, and other essential aid. For more than 11 weeks, the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza have lived under extremely restricted conditions.
While Israel has allowed some aid through since late May due to mounting global pressure, humanitarian groups warn that the volume remains a fraction of what was entering Gaza before the war.
The “Global March to Gaza” is therefore seen by its organizers and supporters as a crucial form of nonviolent resistance, aimed at breaking the siege and saving lives.
Regional Tensions and International Solidarity
Adding to the international dimension, another convoy of 2,000 protesters departed from Tunisia and arrived in neighboring Libya, further rallying support across North Africa.
This multi-country participation highlights how Gaza’s plight has become a symbol of wider global solidarity movements, drawing activists from diverse backgrounds and causes.
What’s Next?
Despite uncertainty over Egypt’s official stance, Rharrit remains optimistic. “Egyptian authorities have no reason not to support this march,” she told CNN, noting that delegations had engaged with Egyptian embassies ahead of time and that “the march aligns with Egypt’s diplomatic efforts.”
Still, the stakes are high. Egypt’s position as a mediator means it must tread carefully, balancing diplomatic relations, border security, and humanitarian concerns.
As the Global March to Gaza unfolds, it reflects a growing frustration with prolonged conflict and blockade—one that thousands hope will spark real change, or at least demand it loudly on the world stage.
Key Takeaways:
-
4,000+ activists from 80+ countries will march ~30 miles through Sinai to the Gaza border at Rafah.
-
The marchers do not intend to enter Gaza but aim to spotlight the humanitarian crisis.
-
Egypt faces a delicate balancing act between security concerns and public pressure.
-
Israeli officials warn against provocations at the border, threatening military response.
-
Activists include prominent figures like Nkosi Mandela and Hala Rharrit.
-
Aid blockade on Gaza continues after 11 weeks, with only limited supplies allowed.
-
Organizers have faced detentions and deportations but remain committed.
-
The march is part of a growing global solidarity movement with Gaza.
Login