Thousands Join Global March To Gaza, Pressuring Border Amid Famine Crisis

 

Thousands of activists from more than 80 countries are gathering in Egypt this week to participate in the “Global March to Gaza,” a high-profile protest aimed at challenging the Israeli blockade that has left the enclave on the brink of famine.

An estimated 4,000 international volunteers are expected to land in Cairo, then travel by bus to Arish in northern Sinai before marching nearly 30 miles through the desert to the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza. Organizers say participants will sleep in tents along the route and plan to arrive at the border on Friday. The march is symbolic—activists do not intend to enter Gaza.

The mass mobilization places Egypt in a politically delicate position. While the country maintains strategic ties with Israel and the United States, it has also publicly condemned the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza. Egypt has closed its side of the Rafah crossing to Palestinians for months, citing security concerns and the risk of the conflict spilling into its territory.

In a statement Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called on Egypt to block the protesters from reaching the Gaza border, warning that their presence could endanger Israeli forces.

The march will also include a second convoy of 2,000 protesters who entered Egypt via Libya on Wednesday after traveling from Tunisia, according to organizers.

Prominent figures joining the action include Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and a former South African lawmaker, and Hala Rharrit, a former U.S. diplomat who resigned over U.S. policy on Gaza.

“This is another way for people to raise their voices,” said Uzma Usmani, logistics lead for the UK delegation. “Governments need to understand we are not happy. If they won’t act, we will.”

The protest follows growing global outrage over the Gaza blockade, which was intensified on March 2 when Israel imposed a full closure on the enclave, cutting off food, medicine, and humanitarian aid. After 11 weeks of near-total isolation, limited aid began to enter in late May—but aid groups say it remains grossly inadequate.

Activists are increasingly turning to high-profile actions to bring attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. On Monday, Israeli forces intercepted the “Madleen,” a Gaza-bound aid ship carrying activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan.

Organizers of the Global March say they informed Egyptian authorities of their plans and followed all required protocols. However, the Egyptian foreign ministry stated that all activists must secure official permits prior to entering the country, warning that unapproved participation could pose security risks in the volatile border zone.

Despite assurances from organizers, dozens of marchers have reportedly faced harassment, delays, and possible deportation at Cairo International Airport. As of Thursday, about 170 participants were experiencing travel disruptions, although thousands of others have already begun their journey.

Rharrit emphasized the urgency of the mission: “Children are starving to death. It’s time for action, not just words. This march is humanity saying: no more. Let the food in.”

She added that the march aligns with Egypt’s diplomatic goals, noting that participating delegations had coordinated with Egyptian embassies in advance. “There is no reason for Egypt not to support this,” Rharrit said.