An international alliance consisting of activists, healthcare professionals, trade unions, and human rights organizations from 32 different countries is set to launch the “Global March to Gaza” on June 12. Participants will assemble in Cairo, Egypt, and march toward the Rafah border crossing in northern Sinai, with the primary goal of demanding immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza amidst ongoing restrictions on aid.
This large-scale initiative brings together over 10,000 volunteers from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds and is supported by more than 150 non-governmental organizations. Seif Abu Keshk, who leads the International Coalition Against Israeli Occupation, described the march as a unified global outcry against what the organizers refer to as the “genocide” of the Palestinian people. The movement aims to bring an end to the blockade on Gaza, guarantee the safe and consistent delivery of humanitarian assistance, establish a permanent humanitarian corridor, and push international legal institutions to investigate and act on allegations of war crimes.
Dr. Huseyin Durmaz, a physician based in Türkiye and a member of the International Health Initiative, voiced his frustration regarding the inaction of global institutions. He stated that throughout this crisis, many international bodies and governments have fallen short of expectations, particularly pointing out that the United Nations and similar organizations have failed to uphold the principle that humanitarian aid must never be obstructed, even during times of war. He emphasized that this principle has not been effectively applied in the case of Gaza.
The organizers stress that the march is entirely peaceful and led by civilians. It is not backed or directed by any state authority or government, and participants will be covering all expenses out of their own pockets. The march represents a united call from the global community demanding urgent and unhindered humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza.
