Egyptian authorities detained Mullah Abdulkudus Yalçın, Vice President of ITTIHADUL ULEMA, and Erdal Elibüyük, Vice President of Hope Caravan Foundation, in Cairo as they prepared to join the “Global March to Gaza,” a major international solidarity event supporting Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

According to ITTIHADUL ULEMA, Egyptian police raided the hotel where Yalçın was staying, detaining him without prior notice. Elibüyük was also apprehended under similar circumstances. The organization condemned the detentions, vowing to continue supporting Gaza’s people. “Standing by the oppressed is a requirement of our faith and humanity. Such obstacles will not deter us,” the group stated, pledging to persist “until justice prevails.”

Local sources report that Egyptian security forces have intensified crackdowns on foreign participants, raiding hotels and detaining or deporting activists. Despite these efforts, the Global March to Gaza proceeded, aiming to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza under Israeli blockade and bombardment.

The detentions have sparked outrage among Palestinian supporters and human rights groups, who view the crackdown as part of regional efforts to suppress solidarity with Gaza. Turkish Islamic organizations have demanded the immediate release of Yalçın, Elibüyük, and other detained activists.

Egyptian authorities have not commented on the detentions. The Global March to Gaza continues to gain traction, with parallel demonstrations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. (ILKHA)