Sumood Convoy says 7 detained activists are released, hoping for return of the rest

Libya Observer

4 days ago

The Sumood Convoy, which is part of international efforts to break the siege on Gaza, announced the release of seven of its members who had been detained by the forces of Khalifa Haftar, following days of negotiations and communication with various parties.
A statement issued by the convoy explained that the release was carried out according to prior understandings, without disclosing the details, adding that contacts are still ongoing to secure the release of another group of detainees.
Earlier, the 'Joint Action Coordination for Palestine' had announced its decision to withdraw from completing the Sumood Convoy's journey towards the Rafah crossing, after Haftar's forces insisted on preventing the convoy from crossing Sirte.
Wael Nawar, the convoy's spokesperson, said that the decision came as a result of continuous restrictions, confirming that the sit-in in the Buwairat Al-Hassoun area west of Sirte will continue until all the detainees — a total of 15 people — are released.
Nawar had previously announced that 15 members of the convoy, including 11 Libyans, were arrested by security units affiliated with Haftar's forces on the outskirts of Sirte. He also mentioned that he himself was physically assaulted, dragged, and had his belongings stolen, before the convoy was forcibly pushed back toward the outskirts of Misrata.
Nawar pointed out that the decision to withdraw was made to avoid further violations, especially after participants were attacked at the 'Gate 50' checkpoint west of Sirte. He confirmed that authorities in the eastern region explicitly informed them during a meeting with the Hamad government: 'If Egypt agrees, we will allow you to pass.'
Several members of the convoy also spoke of shocking details of what they faced on the outskirts of Sirte, where they were subjected to a suffocating siege, deliberate starvation, direct threats at gunpoint, as well as physical assaults and arrests of several participants, including the convoy's spokesperson.