Egyptian authorities have deported dozens of foreign nationals who arrived in Egypt to take part in a pro-Palestinian march and dozens more face deportation, Reuters reports quoting organisers and airport and security sources.

Organisers said people from 80 countries were set to begin the march to Egypt’s Rafah Crossing with Gaza, and confirmed some had been deported or were detained at the airport.

Three airport sources told Reuters at least 73 foreign nationals had been deported on a flight to Istanbul on Thursday after authorities said they violated entry protocols, and that about 100 more were at the airport awaiting deportation.

The Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.