Humanitarian Activists Released After Month-Long Detention in Libya

Four pro-Palestinian activists, who were detained in Libya for approximately one month, have been released. The Global Sumud Flotilla group confirmed the release, stating that Achraf Khoja from Tunisia, Matias Rodriguez from Uruguay, and Italian nationals Domenico Centrone and Leonarda Alberizia have all arrived in Tunis. The organization also indicated that six additional activists are expected to be released within the next 24 hours.

Details of the Release and Remaining Detainees

Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, had previously announced the release of the Italian citizens and Rodriguez, who also holds Italian citizenship. He confirmed that these individuals were handed over to Italy’s consul in Benghazi and were scheduled to return to Italy on Wednesday. This development follows a period of detention that began last month.

The ten activists, hailing from eight different countries, were attempting to reach the Gaza Strip by land as part of a humanitarian effort. Their journey was intercepted, leading to their arrest. In protest of their detention, members of the group had initiated a hunger strike, as reported by the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Background of the Detention

According to information provided by Amnesty International, the arrests occurred on May 24, 2026. An armed group, identified as being affiliated with Khalifa Haftar’s self-styled Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), which is aligned with the de facto authorities in eastern and southern Libya, the Libyan National Army, detained the ten humanitarian activists. The activists were reportedly en route to the city of Sirte with the intention of negotiating the passage of their convoy with local authorities.

The objective of the activists was to secure approval from the authorities to continue their journey through Libya and Egypt, ultimately aiming to reach Gaza. This land-based effort was distinct from a separate incident in which over 400 activists were arrested in international waters while sailing towards Gaza to challenge the maritime blockade imposed by Israel.

Allegations of Enforced Disappearance and Charges

Amnesty International further reported that following their arrest, the activists experienced periods of enforced disappearance, ranging from two to nine days. Subsequently, prosecutors interrogated them before ordering their pretrial detention. The charges leveled against them included 'assembly without authorization.'

The situation highlights the complex challenges faced by humanitarian groups attempting to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip, whether by sea or land, and the varying legal and political landscapes they encounter in the region. The release of some activists offers a partial resolution to their month-long ordeal, while the remaining detentions continue to draw attention to the broader issues surrounding aid delivery to the besieged enclave.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has been a vocal advocate for the release of all detained activists, emphasizing the humanitarian nature of their mission. International bodies and human rights organizations have also been monitoring the situation, calling for adherence to due process and the protection of humanitarian workers.

The incident underscores the ongoing tensions and obstacles related to accessing Gaza, a territory that has been under a blockade for an extended period, leading to significant humanitarian concerns. The efforts of these activists represent a continued push by civil society to address the humanitarian needs within the Strip, often at personal risk and navigating complex political and security environments.

Source: Four Gaza aid flotilla activists released from Libya detention