Overview
In the week commencing 10 June 2025, the Egyptian government took decisive steps to prevent a large-scale international protest movement from reaching the Rafah border crossing into Gaza. Branded as the Global March to Gaza, the campaign aimed to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis inside the Strip. Egypt, citing national security concerns and the need for coordination, acted swiftly to detain and deport hundreds of participants, effectively halting the initiative before it reached North Sinai.
This episode illustrates Egypt’s enduring role as a stabilising force in the Gaza conflict, but also underscores the complex balancing act Cairo faces between maintaining domestic control, safeguarding its strategic interests, and responding to international humanitarian pressures.
Key Developments
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International Mobilisation Blocked: Over 2,000 activists from more than 80 countries had planned to march from Cairo to Rafah. Egypt disrupted these plans by detaining over 200 individuals, deporting at least 73 (primarily to Turkey and European destinations), and blocking access routes into North Sinai.
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Security and Political Calculations:
- Egyptian authorities cited concerns over uncoordinated activity near a sensitive border zone where Islamist militancy remains active.
- The government demanded prior authorisation via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies, a requirement not met by the march organisers.
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Israeli and International Pressure:
- Israeli officials reportedly engaged with their Egyptian counterparts, expressing concern that the march could escalate tensions or serve as cover for radical elements.
- Quiet consultations with U.S. security officials further reinforced Egypt’s decision to act pre-emptively.
Analysis
Egypt’s decision to suppress the Global March to Gaza is rooted in both security imperatives and regional diplomacy. Three drivers are key:
1. Stability in North Sinai
Egypt continues to prioritise control over the Sinai Peninsula, where remnants of ISIS-linked groups remain active. The arrival of thousands of international protesters—many of whom were undocumented or unauthorised—posed a risk of disruption in an already fragile region.
2. Regional Positioning
Egypt has long positioned itself as the principal interlocutor between Hamas and the international community. By blocking the march, Cairo signals to Israel, the United States, and Gulf states that it remains a reliable partner in managing the Gaza situation while retaining control over the humanitarian narrative.
3. Domestic Considerations
Public solidarity with Palestinians remains high in Egypt. However, the regime fears that large-scale mobilisation—especially when triggered by foreign actors—could reignite civil unrest or create openings for opposition groups to exploit.
