Al-Qalam 
Twenty-five delegations from around the globe, including from South Africa, will descend on Egypt to participate in the “Global March to Gaza”, Ismail Suder reports.
A number of South African supporters of Palestine are expected to descend on Egypt next month to join scores of fellow solidarity activists from around the world for a “Global March to Gaza” which takes place on June 15.
The activists are hopeful that Egypt will offer them safe passage to make their voices heard. The proposed dates of travel are June 12th to June 21st.
The march will begin from the town of Al Arish to the Rafah border with a demand that Egypt open the gates to allow aid convoys into Gaza to alleviate starvation and disease in the Gaza Strip’s 2.2 million people. Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war to force Hamas to surrender, and to ethnically cleanse Gaza of its 2.2-million population.
Thousands of participants from 25 countries will gather at the Rafah border for around two to four days, depending on authorisations from the Egyptian Government. The group has made it clear they are not a political group, but a peaceful citizens-driven movement. Palestinian organisations in Gaza and in the region have welcomed this initiative.
Basheerah Soomar, the SA delegation coordinator of the Global March to Gaza campaign, told Al-Qalam that this was not just any trip: “This is a civil society peaceful protest to confront genocide and to challenge the complicity of our own countries and force them to intervene while we are on the ground.”
Many people have registered to join the peaceful campaign, but she bemoaned the fact that those who expressed interest in the solidarity trip so far were mainly women – 81% to be exact. “It is extremely disappointing given that this should be a mission for the men of the ummah,” she added.
But what are the objectives of the International March to Gaza? Al-Qalam asked.
“We are calling for an immediate and permanent opening of the Rafah border crossing; Safe passage for all aid to be let in; complete withdrawal of Israeli forces in Gaza; reconstruction of Gaza under international supervision and end the illegal Occupation of Palestine,” Soomar said.
The march will take place on 15 June where delegations will arrive at the Rafah border and set up a rally. They will be supported on the same day by the Freedom Flotilla that will attempt to break the siege by sea, as well as the Overland Convoy that will attempt to break the siege by air.
Ambulances will follow the march towards the Rafah border and provide medical support when needed. There will also be dedicated vehicles to carry water, food, tents and other logistically needed items.
So far, 25 countries, including South Africa, have formed delegations and will send representatives to the march. To join the South African delegation, go to marchtogaza.net, scroll down to ‘South Africa’ and click on the link to join the group, where participants are securely being screened and provided with all necessary information to make a decision on whether they’d like to join.
All expenses are to be covered by individuals and we estimate that the total trip will cost around R20 000 per person, all inclusive.
