Statement by Egypt dated 22 December 2009 on the proposed Gaza Freedom March

A group of international NOD's requested organizing a march entitled "Gaza Freedom March" in the Gaza Strip through Egypt on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Israeli aggression on the Strip.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwarded all the relevant Egyptian regulations and procedures applicable to this March to the organizers. In due course, it had become apparent to the competent Egyptian authorities that some of the organizers did not fully comply with all requested procedures including the failure to submit required documents. In addition, disputes and contradictions among the organizers further complicated the approval process.

In light of the above, the Egyptian authorities found it difficult to coordinate and cooperate with this March, especially given the sensitive situation in the Gaza Strip, which is still considered as a territory under occupation by Israel.

In this context, the Ministry would like to emphasize that the March has been denied access into Gaza. All activity to hold this march on Egyptian soil, in contravention of the aforementioned decision, is prohibited and would be considered a breach of Egyptian Law.