Knoxville native detained in Libya with 9 others while attempting to bring aid to Gaza

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A woman from Knoxville has been detained in eastern Libya while participating in a humanitarian mission attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

U.S. citizen Jenelle Jones was among 10 civilians detained near the Sirte “5+5” crossing on May 24 by Libyan Arab Armed Forces & eastern Libyan authorities while attempting to negotiate safe passage for the convoy, according to a release from the Global Sumud Flotilla. 6 News reached out to U.S. Representative Tim Burchett about Jones.

“Our office is aware of the situation. Due to federal privacy laws, we cannot make comment any further,” wrote a spokesman for Burchett.

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Jones’ brother and friend contacted 6 News, attempting to get more visibility on her situation. Her friend also shared that Jones graduated from the University of Tennessee.

“Jenelle is known by friends and colleagues as compassionate, adaptable, and deeply committed to helping others. Her work and advocacy have centered on ethical engagement with communities, human rights, and creating safer, more inclusive spaces for travelers Her dedication to humanitarian initiatives led her to join the Global Sumud Flotilla land convoy, a solidarity mission supporting humanitarian awareness and aid efforts connected to Gaza,” reads a statement shared by her friend.

Global Sumud Flotilla shared that Jones was one of 10 people who volunteered to negotiate with Libyan authorities attempting to secure passage through the region to deliver aid to Gaza. The group said that they last heard from the group at 3:22 pm local time on May 24, when a delegate said they were being taken into three white vans.

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