A delegation of South African activists has arrived in Cairo as part of a worldwide mobilization calling for an end to Israel’s siege on Gaza and urgent humanitarian aid access. The group, which includes more than 50 South Africans, is joining over 2,000 activists from 50 countries in what has been named the Global March to Gaza—a peaceful protest aimed at pressuring Israel to allow critical aid into the war-torn enclave.
The activists are preparing to travel over 300 kilometers from Cairo to the border town of Al-Arish in North Sinai. From there, they will embark on a 48-kilometer walk across the Sinai Desert toward the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza. Due to extreme daytime heat, the march will take place primarily in the early mornings and evenings, with participants sleeping in tents overnight—tents that will later be donated as part of an aid package for Gaza.
A Moral Stand, Not Just a Symbolic Gesture
Hasina Kathrada, a South African activist participating in the march, emphasized that the demonstration is more than symbolic—it is a moral stance against the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“Since October 2023, Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians,” Kathrada stated. “The majority of the population—2.2 million people—are facing starvation, and according to the UN, less than a third of the required aid is getting through.”
The march’s central demands are clear: allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza, end the siege, and stop the violence.
South Africa’s Role in Global Solidarity
The South African delegation consists largely of ordinary citizens who say they are marching in solidarity with Palestinians. Their presence aligns with South Africa’s longstanding support for Palestinian rights, including its recent case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
As the activists prepare to begin their desert trek, their message echoes the growing international outcry over Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe. “This march is to say: Let the aid in, end the siege, and let Gaza live,” Kathrada said.
The demonstration comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations and worsening conditions in Gaza, where famine-like conditions have been reported. The activists hope their efforts will amplify global pressure on Israel and its allies to act before more lives are lost.