The Soumoud convoy — meaning steadfastness in Arabic — left Tunis in buses and cars on Monday, hoping to pass through Libya and Egypt, which organizers say has yet to provide passage permits, to reach Gaza.
In a move that has sparked controversy, Egypt’s authorities have refused entry to members of a Tunisian-led convoy traveling in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The convoy, which departed from Tunis, had aimed to reach the Rafah border crossing to protest Israel’s conduct in the ongoing conflict and to demonstrate support for the besieged Palestinian civilians.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday reaffirming its commitment to Palestinian rights, expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and rejecting Israeli violations of international law. However, the ministry also stressed the importance of adhering to the country’s regulatory procedures for foreign delegations attempting to visit the Gaza border area. Egypt emphasized that anyone wishing to cross into the area must obtain prior approvals through official channels, including requests submitted through Egyptian embassies or representatives of relevant organizations.
The statement clarified that no visits outside the established mechanism—designed for safety reasons due to the sensitive situation in the border area—would be considered. Consequently, the Tunisian convoy participants, who did not meet the formal requirements, were blocked from entering Egypt on their journey to Gaza.
Egypt’s stance has been reinforced by a series of actions in recent days to prevent foreign nationals from entering the country in connection with pro-Palestinian movements. On Wednesday, Egyptian authorities detained several individuals, including around 40 Algerian nationals who arrived at Cairo Airport to join the Global March to Gaza. These individuals were held for 24 hours before being allowed to leave Egypt.
Further reports indicate that over ten members of a Moroccan delegation were also turned away at Cairo Airport, and several Turkish nationals were detained by security forces outside their hotel for carrying Palestinian flags. The Egyptian government has made it clear that anyone wishing to enter Egypt must follow the legal process for obtaining visas or entry permits, which has led to frustration among activists seeking to express their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
While Egypt has stated its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the need for pressure on Israel to end the blockade on Gaza, it has also underscored its commitment to maintaining order and safety within its borders amid the ongoing crisis. The refusal to admit the Tunisian convoy participants signals the continued complexity of navigating international activism within the constraints of regional politics and security concerns.
The convoy’s organizers have expressed disappointment, but remain resolute in their efforts to raise awareness of the dire situation in Gaza. Despite the setback, many activists are vowing to continue their support for Palestinian rights and to find other ways to challenge the blockade and highlight the suffering of Gaza’s inhabitants.
