Activists detained in Egypt ahead of Gaza humanitarian march

A PAGAD (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs) delegation was detained for 11 hours and were at risk of deportation as they made their way to the Global March to Gaza.

They are part of the thousands of activists who travelled to Egypt’s Rafah Border Crossing to the strip on Friday to demand the entry of humanitarian aid.

National Coordinator Haroon Orrie was detained along with six others.

PAGAD’s spokesperson, Cassiem Parker, said: “The seven went through normal immigration procedure and then were told that they were being detained and might be deported.

“Their luggage was taken from them and was kept in a holding area from 3am to 2pm, Egypt time.

“They were kept with several hundred other people from other countries coming into Cairo. At 2pm, they were told that they could continue but were not given any reason for their detention.

“They have subsequently said there are reports of raids on hotels, etc.”

ANC regional spokesperson, Muhammad Khalid Sayed, said they note the information around the PAGAD delegation.

“We want to commend them for embarking on this global march to Gaza. It is in line with the South African stance of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

"But we are extremely concerned with the news that has come to us, and we hope that our authorities in Egypt make every effort to assist in having this particular matter resolved.”

GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron said: “The GOOD Party condemns the detention of members of the South African-based organisation PAGAD by Egyptian authorities, reportedly ahead of their planned participation in the Global March to Gaza.

“The delegation, whose mission was one of solidarity and peace, is now being threatened with deportation. This action is a grave violation of their rights and part of a disturbing pattern of silencing international civil society voices standing up for the people of Gaza.

“At the same time, observers and political figures are being welcomed with open arms on highly curated, one-sided visits to Israel, including MPs from South Africa.

“We cannot ignore the hypocrisy that those attempting to bear witness to suffering and express solidarity with a besieged population are blocked, detained, or deported, while those cosying up to the occupying power face no such barriers."

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Nazier Paulsen added: “The EFF fully supports any effort to bring relief to the Palestinians who have endured the relentless acts of genocide. The latest tactic employed by apartheid Israel is to starve the Palestinians and deny them any form of medical assistance they need to care for the wounded and sick.

“The march to Gaza to end the blockade highlights the failure of governments to hold Israel to account for the ongoing genocide. We must intensify all efforts to dismantle the criminal apartheid Israeli state and ensure that Palestinians take full control of their land.”

The International Relations Department’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, said he would verify the incident.

Cape Times