Overview

• Egyptian authorities detained over 200 activists at Cairo airport and hotels and deported at least 73 foreign nationals for alleged entry violations.
• Organisers report that about 4,000 participants from more than 40 countries remain in Egypt and will travel by bus to El Arish before marching 50 kilometres to the Rafah border crossing.
• Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has urged Cairo to block the marchers, labeling them “jihadist protesters” and warning their presence would endanger soldiers’ safety.
• The demonstration aims to pressure Israel to lift its 18-year blockade of Gaza as the United Nations warns the territory faces catastrophic hunger due to restricted aid flows.
• The Israeli Navy intercepted the Madleen aid vessel in international waters, detaining all 12 activists on board and deporting six more this week.