Egyptian authorities have detained dozens of Tunisian, French, and Algerian activists at Cairo International Airport over their participation in the “Caravan of Steadfastness” en route to the besieged Gaza Strip, according to Egyptian media reports.
Security forces also raided Downtown Hotel and another central Cairo hotel where members of the French delegation were staying before all contact with them was abruptly lost, raising serious concerns among human rights organisations.
Earlier reports by Mada Masr revealed that Cairo airport authorities had already begun detaining and deporting individuals arriving to join the solidarity convoy. Some had already been turned away at the border, while others were deported after reaching Cairo.
Algerian lawyer Fatiha Rouibi confirmed that 40 Algerians, including three attorneys, were held at Cairo airport upon arrival and barred from entering Egypt to join the humanitarian march.
Meanwhile, over ten Moroccan nationals were denied entry and deported, despite arriving specifically to join the convoy. Additionally, Turkish citizens who were spotted carrying Palestinian flags outside their hotel were also expelled by Egyptian authorities.
In another incident, the Tunisian news outlet “Rasd” reported that Egyptian airport authorities were holding an all-female Tunisian delegation that had arrived to participate in the pro-Palestine initiative.
In its first official response, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the “Caravan of Steadfastness,” asserting that no group or delegation is permitted to cross Egyptian territory toward Rafah without prior coordination with official authorities and in accordance with security protocols in sensitive border regions.
The Ministry stressed:
“Entry into Egypt is subject to defined legal and security frameworks, which include obtaining the necessary approvals through official diplomatic channels.”
While the statement claimed that Egypt values Arab solidarity with the Palestinian people and appreciates humanitarian initiatives, it rejected any circumvention of the formal procedures governing such efforts.
Notably, the same statement reaffirmed Egypt’s longstanding position in support of the Palestinian people’s resilience on their land and condemned Israel’s blatant violations of international law and humanitarian conventions. It also called for increased pressure on Israel to lift the suffocating blockade on Gaza and to guarantee humanitarian access through all Israeli-controlled crossings and routes.
