Italian activists detained in West Bank during olive harvest

Israeli forces have detained several Italian activists in the West Bank while they were accompanying Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest near the village of al-Bweib, south of Hebron. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) has intervened, with the Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consulate General in Jerusalem requesting urgent clarification regarding the circumstances of the detention and the condition of the citizens.

Reports indicate that between four and five Italian women are being held at a police station. Israeli authorities stated that the activists were detained for entering a closed military zone without coordination and for allegedly being involved in activities related to organizations they define as hostile.

This incident follows the recent expulsion of two other Italians, Manuel and Alberto Tartarotti, who were detained on accusations of terrorism related to their affiliation with the volunteer association Youth of Sumud. The Tartarottis have been issued ten-year bans from entering Israel. The current wave of detentions is part of a broader crackdown on international volunteers monitoring the harvest season in the region.