Libyan authorities are facing growing international attention after reports emerged that several foreign activists linked to the “Global Sumud Flotilla” were stopped near Sirte while attempting to cross eastern Libya without completing official entry procedures.
According to reports, communication was lost with part of the humanitarian mission after a group of activists approached a checkpoint near Sirte to negotiate passage toward eastern Libya. The group included participants from several countries, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Tunisia, Canada, the United States, Argentina, and Poland.
Italian news agency ANSAmed later reported that two Italian nationals involved in the mission had been transferred to Benghazi, where authorities were reportedly treating them as undocumented migrants due to issues related to entry and travel documentation.
The activists were identified as Domenico Cintorino, 33, and Dina Alberizia. Italy’s Foreign Ministry crisis unit is closely following developments and coordinating efforts regarding the case.
Organizers of the “Global Sumud Flotilla” claimed that contact was lost with around ten activists after they entered the Sirte area. Maria Elena Delia, the Italian spokesperson for the initiative, stated that the group had been attempting to negotiate transit through territory controlled by forces affiliated with the Libyan National Army before communication abruptly stopped.
No official statement has yet been released by eastern Libyan authorities regarding the details of the incident. However, observers note that Libyan authorities have increasingly tightened controls on the movement of foreign groups and undocumented individuals amid ongoing security concerns and political sensitivities.
The humanitarian mission consists of ten trucks carrying aid supplies, seven ambulances, and more than 200 participants, including specialists in medicine, engineering, logistics, and humanitarian law. The initiative departed from Mauritania nearly a month ago and aims to deliver assistance to Gaza through Egypt.
Organizers had previously warned that negotiations with eastern Libyan authorities were becoming increasingly difficult, particularly regarding securing official authorization for passage and coordinating humanitarian logistics.
