Appeal to Egypt to let Gaza Freedom March proceed

By Matt - Posted on 26 December 2009

March participants are determined to break the siege

Citing escalating tensions on the Gaza-Egypt border, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry informed Gaza Freedom March organizers on December 20 that the Rafah border will be closed over the coming weeks, into January. Organizers responded that there is always tension at the border because of the siege and that if there are any risks, they are risks march partipants are willing to take. Organizers also said that it was too late for over 1,360 delegates coming from over 42 countries to change their plans now.

Although organizers consider this as a setback, it is something they have encountered—and overcome–before. No delegation, large or small, that has entered Gaza over the past 12 months has received a final approval before arriving at the Rafah border. Most delegations were discouraged from even heading out of Cairo to Rafah. Some had their buses stopped on the way. Some have been told outright that they could not go into Gaza. But after public and political pressure, the Egyptian government changed its position and let them pass.

Organizers stressed that plans will not be altered; participants have set out to break the siege of Gaza and to march in Gaza on December 31 against the international blockade.

Many delegates are already in Cairo and more are arriving daily. Delegates cancelled holiday plans months ago to come on the Gaza Freedom march and air tickets were purchased. Organizers anticipate that virtually all of the 1,360 delegates will come to Cairo.

Because of the incredible humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the Israeli attack on Gaza a year ago and by the international siege on Gaza, organizers feel morally obligated to continue our mission to bring more international attention to the plight of the 1.5 million people imprisoned in Gaza.

Egyptian embassies and missions all over the world must hear from supporters by phone, fax and email over the coming crucial days, with a clear message: Let the international delegation enter Gaza and let the Gaza Freedom March proceed.

What you can do to support the march.

  • Contact the Palestine Division in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cairo. Ahmed Azzam, tel +202-25749682 Email: ahmed.azzam@mfa.gov.eg

Sample text of your message:

I am writing/calling to express my full support for the December 31, 2009 Gaza Freedom March. I urge the Egyptian government to allow the 1,300 international delegates to enter the Gaza Strip through Egypt.

The aim of the march is to call on Israel to lift the siege. The delegates will also take in badly needed medical aid, as well as school supplies and winter jackets for the children of Gaza.

Background on Gaza Freedom March

Submit Date: 
12/26/2009