- Thousands Worldwide To Join ‘Global March to Gaza’ demanding aid access for Gaza’s 2 million residents amid an inhumane blockade.
- Global effort by activists and NGOs to pressure authorities at the Rafah crossing, starting June 12, 2025.
As the world watches, a historic humanitarian effort is set to unfold this month. On June 12, 2025, thousands of pro-Palestinian activists from 31 countries will embark on the “Global March to Gaza,” a courageous initiative aimed at breaking the suffocating siege on Gaza and delivering much-needed aid to its beleaguered population. With the march’s key rally scheduled for June 15 and continuing through June 20, this grassroots movement represents a powerful call for justice and compassion, offering a glimmer of hope amid one of the most protracted humanitarian crises of our time.
A Cry Against Injustice
The Rafah crossing, the sole gateway between Egypt and Gaza not controlled by Israel, has become a symbol of both hope and despair. Since the blockade was intensified in 2007, Gaza has been transformed into an “open-air prison,” as described by Human Rights Watch. The restriction of goods and people has led to dire shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, with aid cut off entirely since March 2, 2025. The United Nations reports that over 53,700 Palestinians have lost their lives since October 2023, with famine and collapsing healthcare systems pushing more than two million people to the brink of survival. This march is a direct response to these atrocities, demanding that the international community uphold its moral and legal obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention to ensure humanitarian access.
Organised by a coalition of over 150 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from across the globe, including the International Health Initiative, the Global March to Gaza is a testament to the power of collective action. Participants, ranging from healthcare professionals to ordinary citizens, will gather in Cairo on June 12, travel to Arish, and march to the Rafah border, where they will camp for three days to amplify their plea. With an estimated 2,000 to 10,000 activists, including notable figures like Dr. Huseyin Durmaz and Saif Abu Kishk of the International Coalition Against Israeli Occupation, this movement transcends borders and ideologies, united solely by a shared commitment to human dignity.
Movement Rooted in Solidarity
The march’s roots extend to initiatives like the Al-Soumoud caravan, which departed Tunisia on June 9, 2025, with over 10,000 Tunisians registering to join, though logistical constraints limited participation to 2,000. This caravan, featuring buses adorned with symbols of resistance, underscores the regional solidarity of Maghreb nations—Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania—in supporting Palestinians. Such efforts highlight a growing global awareness of Gaza’s plight, with Western participants from groups like DiEM25 and Progressive International adding an international dimension to the cause.
What makes this march particularly inspiring is its stance. Organisers have emphasised that it is not about taking sides but about addressing a humanitarian catastrophe. Participants are funding their own travel, with no fundraising involved, reflecting a pure intent to serve those in need. This citizen-led approach contrasts with stalled diplomatic efforts, offering a fresh avenue to pressure governments and international bodies to act.
The Humanitarian Imperative
The blockade’s toll is undeniable. The Rafah crossing, while occasionally open since 2018, remains a bottleneck, with Egypt’s restrictions and Israel’s control over the Palestinian side complicating and blocking aid delivery. The Global March seeks to unblock the 3,000 aid trucks stranded at the border, carrying vital supplies that could reduce the mass starvation and death in this ongoing genocide.
This initiative builds on the legacy of past peaceful movements, such as the Great March of Return in 2018, but scales its reach globally. By camping at Rafah and raising their voices, marchers aim to shame the international community into action. If turned back, the global spotlight on such a rejection could force diplomatic concessions, a strategy that has historical precedent in similar protests.
Overcoming Challenges with Courage
As of June 10, 2025, with the march just two days away, preparations are said to be in full swing. Legal teams are ready to navigate potential border issues, and negotiations with Egyptian authorities are ongoing, though past closures suggest challenges ahead. Israel’s complete control over the Palestinian side of Rafah adds another layer of complexity, yet the marchers’ resolve remains unshaken. Their motto captures the spirit of sacrifice driving this effort:
“If Gazans can survive months without food or medicine, we can handle the desert road to support them”
Critics may argue about the feasibility but such voices cannot overshadow the urgent need for action. The march is about saving lives. By bringing together diverse nationalities and fostering global awareness, it has the potential to add into the steps of compelling world leaders to prioritise humanitarian aid over political ties.
A Call to the World
As the Global March to Gaza approaches, it stands as a beacon of hope for a people who have endured unimaginable hardship under the most documented genocide. With participants from nearly 50 countries, including healthcare workers ready to provide on-the-ground support, this movement embodies the best of humanity—compassion, resilience, and unity. For those unable to join, supporting through awareness, donations to affiliated NGOs, or pressuring governments to open borders can amplify the cause.
In the face of a crisis that has lasted too long, the marchers are not just walking to Rafah; they are marching toward a future where Gaza’s children can thrive, where families can access medicine, and where humanity prevails.
