Tajani Condemns Detention of Five Italian Activists and Calls for Release

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called on October 23 for the immediate release of five Italian women detained by Israeli forces the previous day. Speaking in Istanbul, he described their detention as unacceptable, disputed that they had committed an offense and said he hoped they could return to Italy within hours. Israeli Police said officers had received 11 foreign activists and one Palestinian near Hebron following an IDF report of an uncoordinated olive harvest in a closed military area and refusal to follow soldiers’ instructions. Police said the foreigners were detained for investigation and expected to face immigration hearings concerning removal.