Irish Activist Paul Murphy Detained in Egypt Ahead of Gaza Protest

Paul Murphy, a member of the Irish political party People Before Profit, has been detained by Egyptian authorities in Cairo while en route to participate in a protest march aimed at advocating for humanitarian aid to Gaza. The march, which is expected to involve approximately 3,000 activists from around the globe, is set to commence across the Sinai Desert towards the Rafah border crossing, which has been closed amid ongoing conflict in the region. The protest seeks to highlight the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza amidst reports of severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies due to the blockade imposed by Israel.

The People Before Profit party confirmed Mr. Murphy's detention, along with that of several other Irish activists, including Kellie McConnell. Reports indicate that at least three Irish citizens were arrested as part of a broader crackdown on foreign demonstrators in Egypt, with authorities reportedly detaining over 200 participants at Cairo Airport and questioning them at hotels throughout the city. Saif Abukeshek, a spokesperson for the march, reported that plainclothes police were actively targeting protesters, leading to confiscation of personal items including mobile phones.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed its involvement, providing consular assistance to the detained citizens. The DFA has also issued travel advisories warning against passage through the Sinai Desert due to the escalating tensions and dangers associated with the situation. 'Travel to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing is particularly dangerous at the moment, and the border crossing is currently closed,' a DFA statement emphasized.

Mr. Murphy, who is currently held in Ismailia, reported that authorities confiscated his passport and are attempting to transport the detained individuals for deportation. In a video shared on social media platform X, he expressed concerns that the Egyptian government might take further action to prevent the peaceful march from proceeding. 'It’s looking worrying that the Egyptian authorities are going to act to prevent our peaceful march to Gaza to demand that Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid is ended,' he stated.

In response to the detentions, Matt Collins, National Secretary of People Before Profit, called for the Irish government to advocate for the release of those detained, asserting, 'They are on a peaceful march to demand that humanitarian aid is delivered to starving people in Gaza. There is no reason for them to be detained.'

Political figures across Ireland have voiced their support for Murphy and the detained activists. Duncan Smith, the Labour party’s foreign affairs spokesperson, emphasized the importance of allowing the marchers to continue their efforts unimpeded. Meanwhile, Social Democrats councillor Mark Barry, who was also part of the group, reported being turned around at a checkpoint but not detained. He described the situation as alarming and urged supporters to amplify their message and contact representatives to demand the return of their passports.

Jennifer Whitmore, another Social Democrats member, echoed these sentiments, insisting on immediate intervention from the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to ensure the safe passage of Irish citizens involved in the protest. Sinn Féin's Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire criticized the Egyptian government's actions as a disservice to those attempting to shed light on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating, 'This was an initiative to try to break the blockade of Gaza, to increase pressure on the Israeli government.'

The broader implications of these detentions reflect a growing trend of international tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and raise concerns about the rights of activists and the freedom to protest in foreign nations. As the situation continues to develop, the international community watches closely, urging for both the release of detained activists and a resolution that would allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need in Gaza.