Canadians Detained in Egypt Amid Global March to Gaza Border
In a dramatic turn of events, dozens of Canadian activists participating in the Global March to Gaza have been detained by Egyptian authorities, sparking concerns about the safety and well-being of those involved. The march, aimed at drawing international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, has been met with resistance from Egyptian authorities, who have confiscated passports and detained participants without explanation.
According to organizers, more than 40 Canadians were detained and had their passports confiscated at a checkpoint in Ismailia, Egypt, on Friday. The group, comprising 83 Canadians, had arrived in Cairo earlier in the week to participate in the Global March to Gaza, a civilian-led effort to demand an end to Israel's siege on the territory. Tatiana Harker, a member of Palestine Vivra Montreal and march coordinator, described the situation as "chaotic," with participants being left in the heat without answers for hours. The detentions have sparked outrage among the Canadian participants, who claim that the Egyptian authorities have provided no reason for their actions. "Our government is completely ignoring us," Harker said, expressing frustration at the Canadian embassy's lack of response to their pleas for assistance.
The Global March to Gaza is the latest initiative by civil society groups to break the blockade established by Israel in March. The march aimed to bring international attention to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where warnings of famine and disease have been sounded. The march was intended to be a peaceful demonstration, with participants planning to walk from Al-Arish to Egypt's Rafah crossing with Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid such as food, fuel, and medical supplies.
CONTEXT:
The blockade has had devastating consequences for the people of Gaza, with widespread poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. The situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further strained the already fragile healthcare system.
CONCLUSION:
The detention of Canadian activists in Egypt has cast a shadow over the Global March to Gaza, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by those seeking to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the Egyptian authorities' motives and the Canadian government's response to the detentions. One thing is clear, however: the determination of activists to bring attention to the plight of the Palestinian people will not be deterred.