UN urges Egypt and Libya to address detention and mistreatment of Gaza activists

The United Nations’ human rights office is calling on Egypt and Libya to release any remaining activists detained while trying to reach Egypt as part of the Global March to Gaza. It is also urging both governments to investigate allegations of abuse and mistreatment of peaceful protesters.

“The reported use of excessive force against activists—along with unlawful detention, mistreatment, and forced deportations—violates rights to liberty, security, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly,” said the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in a statement.

Hundreds of activists were detained in Egypt, including four who were arrested by plainclothes officers at a Cairo café.

In Libya, around 1,500 activists from the Maghreb region were blocked from crossing into Egypt by forces loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar.

The “Summud” convoy, organized by Maghreb activists, has since returned to Tunisia following the release of its final detained member in eastern Libya, according to Anadolu Agency.

The Global March to Gaza aimed to spotlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and challenge the Israeli blockade by delivering aid. The mission was canceled on June 16 after Egypt denied access to the border. Approximately 500 activists, including climate advocate Greta Thunberg, were deported.