Eastern Libyan Authorities Release Gaza-Bound Activists After Month Detention

What happened

Middle East Eye Gaza reports that the Eastern Libyan government has released ten international activists from the Global Sumud Convoy after detaining them for approximately one month in the Libyan desert near Sirte. The activists were held by the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), loyal to Khalifa Haftar, who had stopped the convoy in late May as it attempted to travel eastwards to Gaza.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The detainees, coming from countries including Spain, Poland, the United States, Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, Tunisia, and Italy, were subjected to charges of "assembly without authorisation" and faced possible prison time or fines. The Benghazi Court of Appeal ruled on their deportation, and several activists have since arrived in Istanbul, as documented by the Global Sumud Flotilla Instagram account.

The convoy's aim was to deliver aid and assistance directly to Gaza amidst ongoing blockades and conflict. However, following the detentions, the Eastern Libyan foreign ministry announced restrictions preventing non-Libyans and non-Egyptians from traveling onward to Egypt, effectively blocking one potential land route to Gaza.

Known from the source

• Ten activists from the Global Sumud Convoy were detained by LAAF forces near Sirte in eastern Libya in late May 2026.
• The detainees included nationals from Spain, Poland, the US, Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, Tunisia, and Italy.
• The Benghazi Court of Appeal ruled that the activists be deported from Libya.
• The convoy intended to travel by land to Gaza to deliver aid and services.
• The Eastern Libyan government announced that non-Libyans and non-Egyptians are no longer allowed to travel onwards to Egypt.

What remains unclear

Amnesty International has criticized the LAAF for severe human rights violations, including torture risks, due process violations, and restrictions on freedom of expression. The LAAF reportedly continues to exercise quasi-governmental control over parts of eastern Libya amid fractious national divisions since 2011.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of the charges against the activists and any court documents. Confirmation of the activists' current locations and travel status after deportation. Details on any involvement by Egyptian authorities or changes to border crossing policies following the LAAF announcement.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye Gaza. Open the source.