Egypt has blocked and deported dozens of international activists attempting to join a solidarity march to Gaza’s border, citing security concerns, sparking diplomatic tensions amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

Egyptian authorities have blocked dozens of international activists from participating in a planned solidarity march to the Gaza border, deporting many before they could reach the Sinai Peninsula. The march was organised to pressure Israel to lift its blockade and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, aiming to draw global attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

Participants, who included activists from various countries, reportedly faced refusals of entry at Egyptian borders despite prior attempts to coordinate with Egyptian embassies. According to organisers, many were detained or turned back, with Egypt citing a lack of proper authorisation and concerns over national security as reasons for the crackdown.

Egyptian officials maintain that the march was unauthorised and posed risks to national stability, especially amid heightened regional tensions. “Security concerns in the Sinai region remain paramount,” a spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Interior stated. “We cannot permit activities that threaten the peace and security of our nation.”

The diplomatic fallout has been significant. Countries whose citizens were detained or deported—including France, Algeria, and Germany—have expressed concern over Egypt’s actions. French officials called for clarification and urged dialogue to avoid escalating tensions in an already fragile region.

Israel, which has kept the Rafah crossing closed since May 2024, praised Egypt’s decision to block the activists. Israeli authorities labelled the participants as “jihadists,” alleging that the march was a cover for extremist elements to infiltrate the border area. These accusations, however, were denied by the organisers, who maintain the march was strictly peaceful and humanitarian in intent.

The incident occurs amid mounting fears of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where over 52,000 people have been killed since the outbreak of war last year. Aid organisations have issued stark warnings about a looming famine, with medical supplies and food running critically low due to the ongoing blockade.

“The people of Gaza are facing a dire situation,” said a spokesperson for the International Red Cross. “Blocking humanitarian access and silencing international solidarity efforts will only deepen the crisis.”

The solidarity march was intended to coincide with a series of international calls for the lifting of the blockade and increased humanitarian corridors to allow essential aid to reach civilians trapped in Gaza.

As diplomatic tensions rise, international observers are calling for renewed negotiations to address the humanitarian emergency while respecting regional security concerns. The standoff between Egypt, Israel, and international activists highlights the complex and volatile dynamics at play in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.