In Egypt, more than 1300 peace activists from 43 countries are being prevented by the Egyptian government from entering Gaza to join the Palestinians. Dubbed the Gaza Freedom March, organizers were planning to cross the border last Sunday to commemorate the first anniversary of Israel’s assault on Gaza that killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and thirteen Israelis. The activists are also planning to put forth a global call to both Israel and Egypt to lift the siege that was imposed on Hamas controlled Gaza in June 2007.
Marina Barakatt, a former Cal Poly SJPME officer, is one of some 1,360 persons — including doctors, lawyers, diplomats, rabbis, imams, a women’s delegation, a Jewish contingent, a veterans group and Palestinians born overseas — due to take part in the event on 31 December organized by Gaza Freedom March, a coalition of activists of all faiths focusing on human rights.
She reported that the Egyptian authorities have finally allowed only 100 out of 1,300 protesters into blockaded Gaza after the activists staged demonstrations and a hunger strike. This decision have created confusion and division among the 1300 delegates who came to Cairo planning to reach the Palestinian enclave, which shares the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
Hedy Epstein, a Holocaust survivor, center, was among hunger strikers in Cairo on Tuesday showing solidarity with Gazans.
According to AFP, some organisers said Egypt’s offer was a victory after it initially refused to allow any of the protesters into the Gaza Strip for the Gaza Freedom March, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday. “It’s a partial victory,” said Medea Benjamin, an American activist and one of the demonstrations organisers. “It shows that mass pressure has an effect.”
The offer, however, angered many of the activists. Dozens of French activists camped out in front of their embassy in Cairo after being refused passage. A French organiser rejected it as divisive and said the sit-in in front of the French embassy would continue.”This just gives the Egyptian government a photo-up and the chance say we allowed people through,” said Bassem Omar, a Canadian protester. Activists left behind in Cairo said they planned further protests.
Margaret Hawthorn, 62, who flew in from Massachusetts in the US to take part in the event, said she was stunned to discover she would not be allowed to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza. “It’s important that we come here to express support for the people of Gaza,” she told IRIN.
Activist and Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein is amongst those prevented from traveling to Gaza by the Egyptian authorities
According to NYTimes, Hedy Epstein, 85, a Holocaust survivor, arrived in Egypt from the United States on Saturday. She said she started a hunger strike on Monday.
“My message is for the world governments to wake up and treat Israel like they treat any other country and not to be afraid to reprimand and criticize Israel for its violent policies vis-à-vis the Palestinians,” Ms. Epstein said. “I brought a suitcase full of things, pencils, pens, crayons, writing paper to take to children in Gaza — I can’t take that back home.”
