Women protesting Israel’s war on Gaza detained by Egypt outside UN Women office in Cairo

Egyptian security forces cracked down on a Gaza solidarity protest outside the headquarters of UN Women in Cairo, detaining several activists who participated in the demonstration. Among those detained were prominent activists Mahienour el-Masry, Lobna Darwish, Rasha Azab, and others, according to reports.

The protesters read a letter addressed to UN Women, condemning the human rights violations and war crimes affecting women in Gaza and Sudan due to ongoing conflicts. The letter accused UN Women of failing to protect the victims and called for investigations into alleged sexual crimes and war crimes in the affected areas.

Hossam Bahgat, director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, expressed concern over the whereabouts of the detained activists, including Lobna Darwish. The number of detained activists remains uncertain, with at least 15 women believed to be in custody.

This crackdown is not an isolated incident, as Egypt has a history of suppressing protests, particularly those related to Palestine. Since October, security forces have detained numerous pro-Palestine protesters, including international activists advocating for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The crackdown on pro-Palestine protests has intensified, with security forces dispersing gatherings and detaining activists. The latest incident on April 4 saw at least 10 protesters detained at a vigil outside the Journalists’ Syndicate in Cairo, denouncing the Egyptian government’s role in the Gaza siege.

The ongoing crackdown on protesters highlights the challenges faced by activists in Egypt and the broader region in advocating for human rights and justice for marginalized communities.