Two Italian citizens travelling with the Global Sumud Flotilla’s ground convoy were reportedly arrested and transferred to Benghazi after Libyan authorities stopped the humanitarian mission attempting to reach Gaza by land. The two Italians — 33-year-old Domenico Centrone from Molfetta and 67-year-old retiree Dina Alberizia from Asti — were accused of illegally entering the country and may face expedited legal proceedings before being expelled.
Members of the Italian delegation said the convoy came under attack by armed men allegedly linked to western Libyan security forces. Activists described tents being destroyed, people beaten, and protesters forcibly dragged onto buses and military vehicles. Sara Suriani, one of the Italian participants, recounted chaotic scenes at a camp near Sirte, where demonstrators were reportedly assaulted and some women were forcibly removed from a mosque where the group had taken shelter.
The convoy, made up of more than 300 humanitarian workers as well as ambulances and aid trucks, had been stranded for days after authorities in eastern Libya, aligned with General Khalifa Haftar, refused to authorize its passage. Italy’s Foreign Ministry has launched checks through its crisis unit and says it is closely monitoring developments.