Italy has demanded the immediate release of five Italian women activists detained by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank while accompanying Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the detentions on Friday, October 23, and called for the women’s immediate release. He expressed hope that they would return to Italy within hours.
Why Were the Activists Detained?
- According to media reports, the five women were detained on Thursday, October 22, alongside other international activists in the West Bank. The incident reportedly occurred near al-Bweib, south of Hebron, and the women were taken to a police station in Kiryat Arba.
- The activists were accompanying Palestinian farmers during the annual olive harvest, which provides an important source of income for many Palestinian families. International volunteers have supported farmers in areas affected by tensions and reported violence.
Italy Seeks Diplomatic Intervention
- Italy’s embassy in Tel Aviv and its Consulate General in Jerusalem contacted Israeli authorities to seek clarification about the detentions and the women’s situation.
- According to reports, Israeli authorities informed Italian diplomats that the five women were expected to be transferred to Israel’s immigration authority for procedures related to their expulsion and return to Italy.
- However, their release and repatriation had not been confirmed at the time of the reports.
Wider Tensions in the West Bank
- The incident comes amid continuing tensions surrounding Palestinian farmers harvesting olives near Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
- The olive harvest is economically and socially important to Palestinian communities. However, access to agricultural land has been affected in some areas by security restrictions and reported attacks.
- The detention of international volunteers has raised further diplomatic concerns about the treatment of activists accompanying Palestinian farmers.
What Happens Next?
- Italy is seeking the immediate release and return of the five women. Their transfer to immigration authorities was expected to facilitate procedures for their expulsion, but their final release and return home remained unconfirmed in the available reports.
Business Galaxy note: This report is based on media reports dated October 23, 2026. Further developments should be verified before publishing an update.
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