Italian Nationals Freed Libya After Gaza Mission Detained

GAZA – (Web Desk) – Three Italian nationals freed Libya Gaza mission have finally returned home after spending 30 days in detention. Italy confirmed their release on Wednesday following a humanitarian convoy operation bound for Gaza.

The three Italians were part of a larger group of 230 activists from different countries. They joined a land convoy carrying medicine, mobile homes, and essential supplies to war-torn Gaza under the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The freed nationals were identified as Domenico Centrone, Leonarda Alberizia, and Matias Alvarez Rodriguez, who was born in Uruguay but holds Italian citizenship. All three arrived safely in Tunisia before heading home.

The Global Sumud Flotilla confirmed the release and said six more activists are expected to be freed within the next 24 hours. The group described the detention as completely illegal and said volunteers faced psychological pressure throughout their 30 days in custody.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani personally named the released individuals and confirmed their safe return. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had previously called their treatment unacceptable after an Israeli minister shared a video showing detained activists bound and forced to kneel.

The footage shocked governments around the world. Australia, Canada, and Spain were among the nations that strongly condemned the treatment of the volunteers.

Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007 and controls every entry point into the territory. During the ongoing war, Gaza has faced severe shortages of food, medicine, and other basic needs.

Around 50 ships under the Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Turkiye last month in a fresh attempt to reach Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the flotilla a malicious scheme designed to support Hamas.

A previous flotilla attempt in April was stopped in international waters near Greece, with most activists sent back to Europe.