Egypt released at least 42 Greeks who had been held at Cairo International Airport for intending to join the “Global March to Gaza” without proper travel papers.
The group was intercepted by Egyptian authorities upon their arrival in Cairo early on Wednesday, immediately facing denial of entry and the threat of expulsion from the country.
The individuals arrived in the Egyptian capital at dawn to proceed to the Rafah border crossing but were initially denied entry.
All detained Greek nationals are reported to be in good health. Symeon Linardakis, the Greek Consul General, is currently on his way to the scene and is in direct contact with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Greek Foreign Ministry’s warning and march organizers’ response
The incident follows a statement issued by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging participants in the “March to Gaza” to adhere to the instructions of local authorities and provide emergency contact numbers.
The Ministry’s advisory specifically cautioned Greek citizens intending to depart from Cairo on June 13 towards Rafah to “follow the instructions of the local authorities for security reasons.”
Meanwhile, the “March to Gaza Greece” Facebook page announced early Wednesday morning that “dozens” of Greeks were being detained at Cairo airport. The organizers asserted that the participants possess “all legal travel documents, have not violated any law, and followed all legal procedures for their entry into the country.”
In their statement, the “March to Gaza Greece” organizers emphasized that participation in the event was contingent on “legal permits being obtained and in cooperation with the Egyptian authorities.”
They argued that any rejection of such permits does not grant Egyptian authorities the right to detain or deport individuals who are legally in Cairo with valid documents.
The Greek mission stressed its humanitarian and peaceful nature, stating it “does not constitute a protest or is directed in any way against the Arab Republic of Egypt, nor does it concern its internal issues.” They concluded by highlighting their role as a part of thousands globally heading to Gaza “to stop the most heinous crime against humanity of our time.”
Related: Israel Intercepts Aid Boat Bound for Gaza Carrying Greta Thunberg
Egypt’s stance on border area visits
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously outlined strict regulations for those wishing to visit the Gaza border area. Egypt affirmed its support for international and regional positions, advocating for Palestinian rights and condemning the blockade and Israeli violations in Gaza.
However, the Egyptian statement underlined that all requests for visits to the Gaza border area (El-Arish and the Rafah crossing) require prior approval.
It clarified that “the only way in which the Egyptian authorities will continue to consider such requests is through compliance with the regulatory procedures and mechanism in place since the beginning of the war in Gaza.”
This includes submitting official requests through Egyptian embassies abroad or foreign embassies in Cairo, or via representatives of organizations at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Egypt noted that numerous authorized visits by foreign governmental and non-governmental delegations have been organized in the past.
A statement by the Egyptian government further emphasized the importance of adhering to these established measures “to ensure the security of visiting delegations, given the sensitive security conditions in this border area since the beginning of the Gaza crisis.” It was explicitly stated that requests submitted outside this framework “will not be considered or responded to.”
The statement concluded by reiterating Egypt’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, its rejection of Israeli violations of international law, and its call for pressure on Israel to lift the Gaza blockade and allow humanitarian access through all crossings.
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