World News

Egyptian authorities have detained approximately 200 pro-Palestinian activists from more than 40 countries, including about 30 from the Netherlands, ahead of a planned protest march to the Gaza border. Many Dutch participants reportedly said they were subjected to “unjust and humiliating treatment,” including being held for hours without food, water, medical care, or information.

Approximately 100 Dutch nationals had traveled to Egypt for the march, representing a diverse range of backgrounds, according to the Dutch public broadcaster NOS. Among them were students, teachers, healthcare workers, retirees and artists. Organizers said 18 members of the European Parliament were also expected to join the protest.

One of those detained was the sister of Mark van Rennes, the captain of the protest ship Madleen, who is currently imprisoned in Israel. She was among approximately 30 Dutch activists deported from Egypt to Istanbul, Turkey. She has since confirmed her arrival in Istanbul and is expected to land at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport around 2 p.m., likely accompanied by many of the other deported Dutch citizens, NOS reported.