Full Breakdown
Italy Appeals for Release of Detained Gaza Land Flotilla Activists in Libya
6/5/2026, 11:35:33 PM
Diplomatic Appeal Amid Hunger Strike
On 5 June 2026, Italy’s foreign ministry announced that Consul General Filippo Colombo had formally appealed to authorities in eastern Libya for the release of two Italian nationals, Leonarda Alberizia and Domenico Centrone, who are being held in Benghazi. The activists, members of the Global Sumud “Gaza land flotilla,” have been on a dry hunger strike for five days, refusing both food and water.
Background & Context
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a pro-Palestinian humanitarian effort that organized sea and land routes to deliver aid to Gaza. After Israeli forces intercepted 50 vessels in May 2026, a separate land delegation of ten volunteers, including the two Italians, reached Sirte on 24 May 2026 and were arrested by Libyan authorities on immigration-violation charges. They are held in isolated, non-civilian prison complexes run by the Interior Ministry.
Timeline
- 24 May 2026 – Ten activists, including Alberizia and Centrone, are arrested near Sirte.
- 5 June 2026 – Italy’s appeal is announced; Global Sumud reports the fifth day of dry hunger strike.
- 6 June 2026 – Libyan prosecutor orders continued pre-trial detention.
- 9 June 2026 – Hearing scheduled for the two Italians.
Official Statements & Responses
Italy’s foreign ministry said it is coordinating with the Libyan embassy in Tripoli and the Benghazi consulate to secure the earliest possible return of the detainees. Consul Colombo stressed Italy’s respect for Libyan sovereignty and the peaceful nature of the flotilla. Global Sumud demanded immediate independent medical monitoring and unconditional release. The Libyan prosecutor confirmed that pre-trial detention will continue pending the 9 June hearing.
Criticism & Opposition
Global Sumud called the detention sites “isolated, non-civilian prison complexes” that give “contradictory information and false promises of release.” It warned that a dry hunger strike is “rapidly fatal” and demanded external medical oversight.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Libyan officials have not commented on the detainees’ health, and no independent medical verification has been allowed. The precise legal basis for the immigration-violation charge remains undisclosed, leaving a gap in public understanding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A dry hunger strike (refusing to drink as well as eat) is rapidly fatal; without immediate intervention, this humanitarian crisis will turn into a tragedy,” — Global Sumud Flotilla.
- “The families of the two citizens have been informed of the status of their detention and of the diplomatic steps taken to protect them,” — Italian foreign ministry statement.
- “The two Italian nationals participating in the Land Flotilla and currently being held in Libya appeared today before the Libyan Public Prosecutor, who ordered the continuation of their pre-trial detention until the next hearing.” — Libyan Public Prosecutor.
What’s Next
The 9 June hearing will decide whether detention continues. Italy will pursue further consular visits, better conditions, and permission for independent medical monitoring. The decision will shape the activists’ release prospects and the wider aid effort to Gaza.
