Egyptian authorities have forcibly halted a peaceful pro-Palestinian march departing from Cairo towards Gaza, detaining several participants and confiscating their passports, according to organisers of the Global March to Gaza. The group, which included foreign parliamentarians and the grandson of Nelson Mandela, had intended to cross the Sinai desert by bus and complete the final stretch on foot to the Rafah border.

Dozens of activists were intercepted on Friday near Ismailia, the first stop en route to Gaza. Videos circulating online show them being forced into buses by security forces. Participants reported being held for up to seven hours before the group was violently dispersed.

Despite no official statement from Egyptian authorities, organisers confirmed that some individuals remain in custody. The march, they emphasised, was entirely peaceful and meant to express solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza.

The Global March insists it will continue its efforts, declaring: “Our destination remains Gaza. Our commitment to peaceful action is unwavering.”