Humanitarian aid workers detained in Libya during Gaza convoy

On June 4 2026 families of Argentine volunteers Lucas Aguilera and Paula Giménez confirmed they are being held in a Benghazi detention centre after being seized while part of the Global Sumud Magreb convoy bound for Gaza. They and nine other international aid workers – nationals of Argentina, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Uruguay and the United States – were arrested near Sirte on May 24 and placed under the control of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces‑aligned Internal Security Agency.

The detainees have been kept incommunicado and began a hunger strike on June 1, later adding a “dry” strike without liquids. Reports describe fainting, seizures and severe health risks, including a diabetic volunteer denied medication. They allege isolation, lack of medical oversight and treatment that violates international human‑rights law. Amnesty International, the United Nations and other bodies have called for their immediate release and for independent humanitarian visits.