In a coordinated effort led by program members, the Progressive International initiative has organized a rally entitled the “Global March to Gaza,” set to commence on June 12. The march aims to confront and challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza by gathering activists, medical professionals, artists, and citizens from 31 countries. Participants will march from Cairo, Egypt to Rafah, seeking to draw international attention and action towards ending the Israeli blockade, which organizers contend contributes to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Scheduled to unfold over eight days, the march aims not only to echo global solidarity with the people of Gaza but also to apply pressure on governments and international institutions to implement substantive measures instead of what organizers deem as insufficient verbal condemnations. These sentiments were echoed by Dr. Huseyin Durmaz of the International Health Initiative, who confirmed the route and itinerary, including rallies and a culminating protest at the Rafah crossing. Marchers plan to camp near Rafah until June 20 to maintain the demonstration.
As the movement gathers support, leaders from France, Canada, and the United Kingdom have addressed the matter as well, issuing a joint statement condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Such declarations also involve potential sanctions against Israeli individuals and organizations associated with the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. In conjunction, the UK has halted trade discussions with Israel, while the European Union is reconsidering its association agreement.
The Progressive International’s initiative is responding to the allegedly inadequate international response detailed in JURIST News, which identifies the blockade as a “deliberate starvation” by Israel. As of now, shipments meant to sustain Gaza remain blocked, exacerbating the crisis. The Global March seeks not only to highlight the urgency of lifting the blockade but also to solicit the cooperation of Egyptian authorities to allow open access through the Rafah crossing.
The movement represents a broader call to action as expressed by Roshan Daddo, a spokesperson for a participating organization, who urges international communities to employ strategic embargoes and boycotts to exert economic pressure on Israel. Such actions, according to activists, are vital to breaking the blockade and addressing the wider political and humanitarian issues facing Gaza.