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.
The U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and discussions on ending the conflict, an official familiar with the negotiations said on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israel's Nir Oz kibbutz near the Gaza Strip on Thursday for the first time since Hamas militants penetrated the border and killed or kidnapped nearly one in four residents nearly 21 months ago.
Hamas said on Wednesday it was studying what U.S. President Donald Trump called a "final" ceasefire proposal for Gaza but that Israel must pull out of the enclave, and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas would be eliminated.
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