To draw attention to the humanitarian crisis afflicting people in Gaza, marchers have for months planned to trek about 30 miles (about 50 kilometers) from the city of Arish to Egypt’s border with the enclave on Sunday to “create international moral and media pressure” to open the crossing at Rafah and lift a blockade that has prevented aid from entering.
Saif Abu Keshek, one of the activists organizing the march, said that about 200 activists — mostly Algerians and Moroccans — were detained or deported. But those arriving to the Cairo International Airport on Thursday afternoon were allowed into Egypt, the Spain-based activist added. Organizers have not received approval from Egyptian authorities for Sunday’s march and were evaluating how to proceed, he said.
“None of the circumstances compare to what Palestinians and Gaza have to deal with every day,” Abu Keshek said of the ordeal.

An Egyptian official on Thursday said more than three dozen activists, mostly carrying European passports, were deported upon their arrival at the Cairo International Airport in the past two days. The official said the activists aimed to travel to Northern Sinai “without obtaining required authorizations.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media

Unprecedented Turnout

Organizers reported that more than one million people participated in the rally, making it one of the largest pro-Palestine demonstrations in the country’s history. Participants from various walks of life, including students, political activists, and members of civil society, joined the march, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Stop the Israeli aggression.” Arab News​

Symbolic Protests and Demands

The rally featured symbolic acts, including carrying bundles representing dead bodies to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza. Protesters also displayed images of U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of supporting Israeli policies. AP News​

The Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh presented several demands during the rally:

• Justice at the international court over the alleged massacre and ongoing attacks by Israeli forces in Gaza.​

• The interim government to terminate all contracts involving Israeli institutions.​

• A nationwide boycott of products made by companies associated with Israel. ​

The rally received backing from various political parties and organizations, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Islamist groups and other civil society organizations also expressed their solidarity with the cause. ​AP News

Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation with a population of approximately 170 million, has no diplomatic relations with Israel and officially supports an independent Palestinian state. ​AP News

Nationwide Impact

While the main rally took place in Dhaka, similar demonstrations were reported in other parts of the country, indicating widespread public support for the Palestinian cause. ​AP News

The “March for Gaza” rally underscores Bangladesh’s strong stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and reflects the nation’s commitment to advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people.