Israel has called on Egypt to block planned pro-Palestinian demonstrations near the Gaza Strip, particularly targeting the Soumoud caravan—a convoy of activists from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania—and a “Global March” involving protesters from 44 countries scheduled for June 19.
The Rafah border crossing with Egypt © Mena Today
Israel has called on Egypt to block planned pro-Palestinian demonstrations near the Gaza Strip, particularly targeting the Soumoud caravan—a convoy of activists from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania—and a “Global March” involving protesters from 44 countries scheduled for June 19.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz urged Cairo to prevent what he called “jihadist provocations” and unauthorized attempts to enter Gaza.
In response, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for prior authorization for any foreign-led actions on its soil, while reaffirming its support for lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza and enabling humanitarian access.
Meanwhile, several French activists planning to join the march were detained at Cairo airport or intercepted at their hotels.
Around 4,000 international activists are expected to travel to Cairo, then proceed to Arish and walk 50 km to Rafah, the border crossing with Gaza.
The Soumoud convoy, which left Tunis by bus, has reached Tripoli, Libya, and is awaiting clearance to enter Egypt.
Israel's Iron Dome has been nearly 99% effective against missiles from Hamas and Hezbollah militants and has knocked out most missiles from Iran, the chairman of state-owned Iron Dome maker Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd said on Monday.
France and Algeria have taken a significant step toward normalising their bruised relationship, as French Armed Forces Minister Alice Rufo met Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Saturday and agreed a roadmap to "intensify" bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and defence.
Two activists arrested last month when Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla they were travelling on are expected to be deported in the coming days after being released from security detention on Saturday, their lawyers said.
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