What It Is About:
Several students in Egypt have been detained while attempting to promote pro-Palestinian boycotts and solidarity campaigns. This occurs against the background of increasing official Egyptian criticism of Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
Why It Matters:
The situation highlights Egypt’s precarious balance between extending official support for Palestinian rights and maintaining strict control over domestic activism. It underscores Egypt’s continuing effort to preempt political dissent within its own borders—especially activism that might be inspired by, or related to, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Situation Overview:
At least 125 people have been arrested in Egypt since the October resurgence of the Gaza war, with 95 still in pre-trial detention. These numbers were reported by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), underscoring the country’s tight grip on internal political movement, even as it voices official positions opposing Israel’s actions.
Student Activism Suppressed
Among the detained are students who tried to establish an organization named Students for Palestine. Nabeh El Ganadi, a human rights lawyer representing some of these students, confirmed their detention. One such student, Ziad Bassiouny, was arrested during an intensive security operation involving 40 security personnel. His organization was not advocating political dissent or protests, but merely public support for Palestine, similar to efforts by students around the world.
Internal Consistency and Dissonance
While Egyptian officials vocalize strong criticism of Israel’s actions and state support for Palestinian rights, suppressing local pro-Palestinian activism like that spearheaded by students reveals the government’s dual approach: regional solidarity juxtaposed with zero tolerance for domestic unrest. Despite public statements by officials, the interests of national security and stability make such actions timely and indicative of broader domestic policies.
Tightening Grip on Dissent
The crackdown on demonstrations is part of a broader pattern dating back to the 2013 ousting of President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood by current President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The Brotherhood shares historical ties with Gaza’s ruling group, Hamas. Anti-Israeli movements can be readily viewed within Egypt’s trajectory of suppressing political opposition.
Details and Repercussions
During protests demonstrating solidarity with Palestinians, 19 activists were recently detained in front of a United Nations office in Cairo. Additional arrests were made at a candlelit vigil criticizing President Sisi, indicating stringent state control over potential flashpoints for dissent. Critics argue that while Egypt has undertaken measures appearing to improve political and human rights reforms, these are largely superficial.
The Bigger Picture
The continued climb in public support for Palestinian rights juxtaposed with escalating arrests illustrates a trenchant strategy by the Sisi administration to clamp down on perceived threats of domestic instability. As supported by el-Sisi’s proponents, the enduring security measures play a pivotal role in sustaining national stability amid widespread external conflicts.
The outbreak of the current Gaza war was catalyzed by Hamas’s sudden attacks on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and numerous hostages. This ongoing conflict context situates Egypt’s calculated actions against local supporters of Palestinian causes.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.