Why Are Countries Deporting and Detaining People Who Want to March to Gaza?

Thousands of activists from around the world are attempting to march to Gaza in a powerful show of solidarity with Palestinians suffering under a devastating blockade and military assault.

Yet, as this Global March to Gaza unfolds, many participants have faced harsh resistance-not from Israel directly, but from neighboring countries Egypt and Libya, who have detained, blocked, and deported hundreds of hopeful protesters.

Why is this happening? Why are countries that share borders with Gaza preventing peaceful demonstrators from reaching the besieged enclave? Understanding these actions requires a look at the political, strategic, and diplomatic pressures shaping the region.

1. Egypt's Complex Role

Egypt controls the Rafah border crossing-the only non-Israeli gateway into Gaza. This crossing is crucial for humanitarian aid and civilian movement, but it has also been heavily restricted for years due to security concerns and political considerations.

• Security and Stability Concerns: Egypt faces its own challenges with militant groups in the Sinai Peninsula and fears that unrestricted movement across Rafah could enable arms smuggling or infiltration by extremist groups.
• Political Alliances and Regional Dynamics: Egypt maintains a delicate balance. While it sympathizes with the Palestinian cause, it also cooperates with Israel and Western countries to maintain stability and counteract groups it considers threats. Allowing mass protests or convoys to cross could upset this balance and provoke political fallout.
• Control Over Narrative: Egypt is wary of large international mobilizations that could embarrass governments or challenge official stances. Detaining or deporting activists helps Cairo control the situation and prevent escalations on its soil.

2. Libya's Position

Libya, torn by ongoing internal conflict and divided governance, is similarly cautious.

• Security and Authority: The eastern government, controlling key areas, has limited capacity and willingness to support convoys crossing its territory. It views large, uncoordinated foreign groups with suspicion, especially amid fragile political control.
• Avoiding Escalation: Libya does not want to jeopardize its relations with neighboring countries and international powers by appearing to support actions that might escalate tensions.

3. The Larger Geopolitical Context

• Pressure from Global Powers: Both Egypt and Libya face diplomatic pressure from powerful allies, including the U.S. and European countries, many of whom support Israel's right to security while calling for humanitarian aid. Balancing these interests often results in restrictions on activism that could disrupt the status quo.
• Fear of Setting a Precedent: Allowing large, politically charged protests or aid convoys unrestricted access to Gaza might encourage similar actions elsewhere, challenging the region's fragile order.

4. The Humanitarian Impact

The blockade of Gaza has led to critical shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and clean water, with civilians paying a devastating price. The march to Gaza symbolizes global frustration and demand for urgent relief.

Yet, the blocking of activists underscores how geopolitical calculations often trump humanitarian needs-leaving those in Gaza caught between conflict and international bureaucracy.

5. What This Means for the March

Despite detentions and deportations, organizers emphasize that the march's purpose goes beyond physical presence. It's a symbolic stand against silence, aiming to pressure governments and international bodies to act.

The resistance from Egypt and Libya highlights the complex challenges facing activists and underlines the political sensitivity surrounding Gaza. While these actions frustrate protesters, they also draw attention to the very restrictions activists want to challenge.

The detention and deportation of activists trying to march to Gaza reflect a web of regional security concerns, political alliances, and international diplomacy. Egypt and Libya's moves reveal the high stakes and tight controls surrounding Gaza-not just at its borders, but in global politics.

Understanding why countries act this way is crucial to grasping the broader challenges of advocating for Gaza amid a complex and volatile geopolitical landscape.