Following the interception of the "Gaza flotilla" and the deportation of its participants, a new effort to “break the siege” in the Strip is underway—this time overland. The Steadfast Convoy began Monday in Algeria and continued through Tunisia, where additional activists joined.
On Tuesday, the convoy reached Libya and crossed into Egypt on Wednesday, with the ultimate goal of reaching Gaza through the Rafah border crossing—pending Egyptian approval.
At the same time, the Global March to Gaza, began Wednesday, with thousands of participants from more than 35 countries. Marchers were set to arrive in El-Arish and proceed on foot toward the Rafah crossing, where protest encampments are expected to be set up.
But Egyptian authorities have deported dozens of the foreign nationals who arrived in Egypt to take part in the march and dozens more face deportation, the organizers and airport and security sources said on Thursday.
Three airport sources told Reuters at least 73 foreign nationals had been deported on a flight to Istanbul on Thursday after authorities said they violated entry protocols, and that about 100 more were at the airport awaiting deportation.
The Foreign Ministry had said visits to the Rafah border region must be coordinated in advance with Egyptian embassies or government entities, and underlined the need to follow official procedures to ensure safety and security.
The organizers said in a statement late on Wednesday they had complied with all the stated requirements. "In the two months leading up to the march, organizers coordinated directly with Egyptian embassies in over 15 countries and with the Foreign Ministry to ensure transparency at every stage," the organizers said, urging Egypt to free all those who had been detained.
Videos and photos posted online Monday in Algeria showed activists departing to cheering crowds. One participant was quoted as saying: “This is a historic moment. We’re standing with Gaza as it faces a brutal war. This journey is our Hajj.”
The convoy has drawn widespread coverage from Arabic media outlets, with new groups joining at each stop. Spokesperson Wael Nawar told reporters the convoy aims to break the blockade, open crossings and deliver aid currently held at Gaza border points. The delegation includes activists, volunteers, parliament members and diplomats.
Yahya Sari, head of the Algerian Initiative to Support Palestine and Aid Gaza and one of the organizers, wrote on Facebook: “This is a humanitarian mission. We're raising our voices to demand an end to the cruel siege on our people in Gaza. To the people of Gaza—we say: you're not alone. We share your pain and suffering.”
“We’re not here to cause trouble for Egyptian authorities,” according to a convoy statement ahead of its arrival in Egypt. “We understand Egypt’s security concerns and want to work in coordination."
Organizers have claimed nearly 3,000 people confirmed participation in the Egyptian leg of the steadfast Convoy, planning to travel from Cairo to El-Arish in North Sinai.
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“The convoy’s goals align with Egypt’s diplomatic efforts and we respect Egyptian law. All participants signed agreements to obey local laws and Egyptian authorities are entitled to investigate or deport anyone. If deportations occur, we request a clear explanation,” according to the convoy.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement Tuesday—without directly naming the convoy—reaffirming that all foreign missions to Gaza’s border must follow established procedures. It stressed that entry into Egypt requires advance visas and permits and that applications made outside official channels won’t be considered.
Qatar’s The New Arab reported growing controversy in Egypt surrounding the convoy. Algerian attorney Fatima Rouaibi said three Algerian lawyers were detained at Cairo airport along with 37 others. She claimed the arrests had “no legal justification” and that authorities confiscated their phones and documents.
Egyptian media figure Ahmed Moussa warned that the convoy includes many participants without legal entry permits and could pose a national security threat. An unnamed senior Egyptian security official told local outlets that the convoy’s purpose is to politically embarrass Egypt, which is “acting responsibly in support of Palestinians.” Others offered a more positive view, calling the convoy a form of Egypt’s “soft power” in advocating for Gaza.
The Qatari outlet also reported that Egyptian authorities fear the convoy’s push toward Rafah could provoke an Israeli response, potentially leading to “undesirable developments.”
First published: 14:26, 06.12.25