Gaza Freedom March was a non-violent political march to end the blockade of the Gaza Strip.[1], planned to depart on 31 December from Izbet Abed Rabbo, an area devastated during Operation Cast Lead, and head towards Erez, the crossing point to Israel at the northern end of the Gaza Strip.[2]
More than 1350 people from 42 countries around the world were planning to join Palestinians in the march, among them Medea Benjamin, Alice Walker, Ronnie Kasrils, Alima Boumediene-Thiery, Hedy Epstein, Yusif Barakat, Roger Waters, Starhawk, Louie Vitale, and Ann Wright.[3][4][5] However, the Egyptian authorities disallowed the protest, and the march could not take place as planned. The march drew inspiration from various other campaigns such as Free Gaza Movement and Viva Palestina.
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Endorsers of the march included Howard Zinn, Gore Vidal, Arun Gandhi, Naomi Klein and Noam Chomsky.[6] Norman Finkelstein was an initial supporter, but later withdrew his endorsement saying that the new statement of context for the march brought in too many contentious issues.[7] Berkeley student organizer Ali Glenesk coordinated student outreach for the march, and over 100 students planned to participate. [8]
Hedy Epstein, Alice Walker, Luisa Morgantini, Alima Boumediene-Thiery, Duraid Lahham and Walden Bello are also planning to participate in the Gaza Freedom March.[9]
On December 20, 2009 the Egyptian government announced that it will not allow anyone to cross into Gaza from Egypt, effectively banning the march. The government issued a warning that anyone attempting to cross at Rafah will be, "dealt with by the law."[10]
The more than 1,300 internationals in the delegation intending to go to Gaza had asked that Egypt reconsider its ban, which included disallowing the Gaza Freedom March from delivering hundreds of tonnes of aid. The aid, which included specialised medical equipment and powdered milk for babies, sat in Aqaba, a Jordanian port town, awaiting Egyptian permission to enter Egypt.[11]