Exclusive: Egypt Deports Travelers Over Fears of “March of the Free” Participation
Cairo (Quds News Network)- Egyptian authorities have begun deporting foreign travelers arriving in Cairo over concerns they would join the “March of the Free” — a global civilian convoy aimed at breaking the siege on Gaza through a mass march toward the Rafah crossing, A source from the convoy’s organizing team told Quds News Network.
The source told Quds News Network that Cairo International Airport today, Wednesday, deported around 15 travelers who arrived on the first morning flight. Most were Moroccan nationals who said they came for tourism or family visits. They were interrogated for 30 minutes before being denied entry and sent back.
“Egyptian authorities fear their participation in the march,” the source said. “There is growing repression.”
Yesterday, two Algerians were also stopped and deported. Today, tensions escalated further after a woman revealed that she came to take part in the peaceful march. Following her statement, many more travelers were deported. Egyptian officers began shouting at passengers and reportedly threatened some with indefinite detention. Many chose to return voluntarily out of fear.
Organizers expect even tighter restrictions tomorrow, as the majority of participants are set to arrive from countries across the world.
The March of the Free is part of the wider Global March to Gaza — a peaceful civilian movement with no political affiliation. The march calls for an end to the siege and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
Delegations from 54 countries are already involved, with expectations of up to 50,000 participants. The “Convoy of Steadfastness” from Tunisia alone is expected to bring around 10,000 people.
Meanwhile, Moroccan police at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport received complaints from the deported Moroccan travelers. Officers reportedly condemned Egypt’s actions and said they would negotiate with Cairo to allow the travelers back and preserve their dignity.
Among the deported are political activists and journalists.
Despite rising pressure, organizers vow to continue the peaceful march until the Israeli siege on over 2 million people in Gaza is lifted.
