Dutch protesters detained at Egyptian checkpoints ahead of Gaza March

A group of approximately 35 Dutch nationals attempting to join a protest march for Gaza in Egypt was reportedly detained Friday and into early Saturday, according to a spokesperson for the Dutch delegation of the Global March to Gaza.

The spokesperson said, to her knowledge, none of the Dutch participants remain in custody. The group, along with hundreds of others from different countries, was stopped Friday at two toll checkpoints between Cairo and Ismailia. Authorities required them to surrender their passports and reportedly kept them waiting for hours under the sun without food or water. Some members allegedly reported being beaten by police and unidentified "thugs," according to the spokesperson.

After the detainment, the individuals were placed on buses. Some were taken directly to Cairo’s Tahrir Square, while others allegedly had to pay roughly 50 euros each before the buses were allowed to proceed.

About 65 other Dutch nationals reportedly remain in Egypt, hoping to join the march originally planned for this weekend, traveling from El Arish to the Gaza border crossing near Rafah.

The spokesperson emphasized that the march will not occur without Egypt’s official approval. She also mentioned there are alternative plans, but declined to disclose details due to safety concerns. For the Dutch participants, Saturday is now primarily a day of rest. Earlier this week, other Dutch citizens intending to join the march were detained at Cairo airport and deported.