More than 40 Canadians participating in the Global March to Gaza have been detained in northeastern Egypt and prevented from reaching the border of the Gaza Strip, which is currently embroiled in conflict. This march is a civil society initiative aimed at drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis faced by the people in Gaza due to the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel.
The Global March to Gaza was planned to highlight the urgency of delivering essential aid, including food, fuel, and medical supplies, to Gaza. This blockade was instituted by Israel in March 2023 as a strategy to compel Hamas to disarm and release hostages taken during the group's attacks on October 7, 2023. The marchers intended to trek approximately 30 miles (about 50 kilometers) from the city of Arish to Egypt's Rafah border crossing on Sunday, hoping to create international moral and media pressure to lift the blockade and allow aid into the region.
Prior to the march, the Egyptian government issued warnings that only individuals who had received specific authorization would be permitted to travel along the proposed route to the border. The Egyptian foreign ministry stated that the country reserves the right to implement necessary measures to protect national security, which includes regulating the movement of individuals in sensitive border areas.
On the day of the march, two Canadians spoke to OMNI News shortly after being detained by police, who forcibly placed them on a bus. One of the activists, Afnan Kaid, a student from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, revealed that participants were stopped in various locations, including hotels and cafes, with some even followed by authorities. Kaid was among those detained after being pulled over in an Uber, where police demanded to see her passport.
A second Canadian, Ammar Afaneh, reported having his documents confiscated despite holding a valid visa for Egypt. Afaneh expressed frustration, stating, "We violated zero Egyptian rules - zero Egyptian rules." He recounted interactions with police, who acknowledged that they had not committed any offenses but were simply following orders. Both individuals were taken onto a bus without their passports, heading to an unknown destination, heightening their concerns for their safety and well-being.
The situation escalated further with reports from other Canadians who had been dropped off randomly, leading to a loss of contact and communication within the group. The volunteer contingent for the protest includes around 4,000 participants from over 80 countries, highlighting the international scope of the initiative.
In light of their detention, both Kaid and Afaneh are urging the Canadian government to take immediate action to assist them and other participants still in Egyptian custody. Global Affairs Canada has been advising Canadians to avoid all travel to northeastern Egypt and Gaza, underscoring the perilous conditions in the region amidst the ongoing conflict.
