Global March to Gaza Blocked: Activists Detained, Passports Confiscated at Egypt's Rafah Border

On June 13th, 2025, thousands of pro-Palestine activists participating in the Global March to Gaza were prevented from reaching the Rafah border crossing in Egypt. Eyewitnesses reported that Egyptian authorities forcefully dispersed and detained the demonstrators, citing security concerns. The video shows scenes of chaotic confrontations, with activists chanting and pushing against lines of riot police. One activist stated, "We are being assaulted and attacked." Several participants reported having their passports confiscated, and dozens were subsequently deported. Melanie Schweizer, a Global March to Gaza organizer, recounted, "We have just been violently dragged into the buses." Hundreds of participants remain in detention. Organizers maintain they coordinated with Egyptian authorities, contradicting the Foreign Ministry's claim that visits to the Rafah border require pre-arrangement. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding access to Gaza and freedom of movement for activists.