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.
Gaps in Gaza ceasefire talks under way in Qatar between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas can be bridged but it may take more than a few days to reach a deal, Israeli officials said on Tuesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump, hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, said the United States had scheduled talks with Iran and indicated progress on a controversial effort to relocate Palestinians out of Gaza.
Four workers were killed and at least 22 others were injured in a fire that broke out on Monday at a key data centre in Cairo, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the spokesperson at Egypt's Health Ministry, told Reuters on Tuesday.
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