The Global March to Gaza

The Global March to Gaza is a large-scale civilian-led initiative aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza and drawing global attention to the humanitarian crisis:

1. Purpose & Objectives

• Primary Goal: To pressure Israel and the international community to end the blockade, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and stop what organizers describe as a “genocide” .
• Demands:
  • Immediate entry of food, medicine, and fuel via the Rafah crossing.
  • Accountability for alleged Israeli war crimes.
  • Establishment of a permanent humanitarian corridor .

1. Organizers & Participants

• Led by the International Coalition Against the Israeli Occupation, a network of over 150 NGOs, unions, and solidarity groups from 32+ countries .
• Notable figures:
  • Saif Abukeshek (spokesperson).
  • Mandla Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s grandson, on the organizing committee) .
• Expected participants: ~4,000 activists from 80+ countries, including medical workers, journalists, and grassroots organizers .

1. Route & Logistics

• Dates: June 12–20, 2025.
• Path:
  1. Gather in Cairo (June 12).
  2. Bus to El Arish (June 13).
  3. 48km march to Rafah crossing (June 15–19) .
• Participants cover their own expenses; no centralized funding .

1. Challenges & Crackdowns

• Egyptian Resistance: Authorities detained/deported ~200 activists at Cairo Airport, citing lack of permits for Sinai travel .
• Israeli Opposition: Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled marchers “jihadist protesters” and threatened military intervention if they reach the border [citation:15].
• Legal Risks: Activists face potential arrest or expulsion, but organizers emphasize peaceful intent and legal preparedness .

1. Context & Significance

• Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza faces famine, with aid trucks blocked at Rafah and UN reports of “starvation as a weapon” .
• Precedents: Similar efforts (e.g., 2010 Freedom Flotilla) were intercepted violently by Israel .
• Symbolism: The march aims to amplify global civil society’s role in pressuring governments to act .

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International Reactions

• Support: Endorsed by groups like Code Pink, Jewish Voice for Labour, and trade unions .
• Criticism: Egypt and Israel view it as a security threat, with Egypt restricting access to Sinai [citation:15].

For updates, visit the organizers’ site: Global March to Gaza .

Note: As of June 13, 2025, the march is ongoing, with activists regrouping after deportations .

Yipeng: An update on #GlobalMarchToGaza – myself and many others including Canadians are being held up at a checkpoint between Cairo and Ismailia. Everyone’s passport has been taken. We have been told that no one is allowed to cross this checkpoint unless if they are Egyptian. People are not getting their passports back. Some have been waiting for hours. Some people have been told to get their passports back, they have to get on a bus to the airport to be deported. There are hundreds and estimated 1000 people at this checkpoint alone. People are rallying and chanting at this checkpoint – “Free Free Palestine”.