What started as a wish to join the “March to Gaza” has turned into a challenging situation for several dozen Greeks currently stranded at Cairo Airport.
According to reports, 26 individuals arrived in Cairo early this morning with plans to reach the Rafah crossing. However, Egyptian authorities denied them entry, leading to local officials arranging their return to Greece.
All individuals are reportedly in good health, and the Greek Consul General, Symeon Linardakis, is en route to the airport and coordinating with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Yesterday, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement urging participants to adhere to local authorities’ guidance while providing emergency contact numbers.
The Ministry’s Statement:
“Greek citizens intending to take part in the ‘March to Gaza’ from Cairo on June 13 toward the Rafah crossing are advised, for security reasons, to follow local authorities’ instructions.
In case of an emergency, please reach out to the General Consulate of Greece in Cairo (emergency phone: 00201220940119, email: [email protected]) or the General Consulate of Greece in Alexandria (emergency phone: 00201272045556, email: [email protected]).”
On Wednesday morning, the Facebook page “March to Gaza Greece” posted a detailed message declaring that the Greeks “being held” number “dozens” and affirming that they possess “all necessary legal travel documents, have not broken any laws, and followed every legal protocol for entering the country.”
The post also expressed: “The Egyptian authorities should understand that, as stated, participants will only engage in the event if they receive the proper legal permits and work in cooperation with Egyptian authorities.”
Response from the Egyptian Authorities
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement outlining the requirements for those wishing to participate in the March to Gaza.
The statement reads:
“The Arab Republic of Egypt welcomes both international and regional support for Palestinian rights while condemning the blockade, starvation, and severe violations faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza due to Israel.”
It further emphasizes, “For the Egyptian authorities to consider any requests, strict adherence to established regulatory procedures is necessary, including submitting formal requests through Egyptian embassies abroad or via foreign embassies in Cairo and representatives of organizations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is important to note that many foreign delegations—both governmental and from human rights NGOs—have successfully organized visits in the past.”
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