Overview

• Security forces at Cairo airport and in the city seized passports and arrested participants from the US, Europe and the Middle East as they arrived for the June 15 march.
• Egypt did not officially ban the protest but refused to grant permits and enforced strict military rules in northern Sinai to prevent access to Rafah.
• Israel’s defense minister publicly called on Egypt to stop the protest, highlighting diplomatic pressure behind the crackdown.
• After interrogation, some activists were released while others were deported to countries including Turkey, derailing plans to camp near the border.
• The Global March to Gaza had mobilized supporters to spotlight Gaza’s severe shortages of food, water and medical supplies under Israeli blockade.