Forces loyal to eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar have reportedly detained several members of an international aid convoy heading toward Gaza while passing through the Libyan city of Sirte.
According to a statement shared by the Global Sumud Convoy, communication with the detained activists was last established at around 3:22 pm on Tuesday before contact was lost.
The convoy organisers said those detained include civilians from Spain, Poland, the United States, Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, Tunisia and Italy. The group reportedly consists of doctors, humanitarian volunteers and human rights defenders participating in the mission to deliver aid and show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The convoy was part of a broader international effort aimed at drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and delivering medical and relief supplies to Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict.
No official statement had been immediately issued by Haftar’s forces regarding the reason for the detentions. Reports indicate that security forces in eastern Libya intercepted the convoy while it was travelling through territory controlled by the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Haftar.
Human rights groups and activists expressed concern over the safety of the detained volunteers and called for their immediate release. Organisers also urged international organisations and foreign governments to intervene and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers involved in the mission.
Libya remains politically divided between rival administrations in the east and west, with Haftar maintaining strong military influence over large parts of eastern and central Libya, including Sirte.
The incident comes amid growing international concern over the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where aid access continues to face major challenges due to the ongoing conflict.
