Libya-Egypt land border restricted to citizens of both countries only, parallel government says

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Libya’s parallel government has announced that the land crossing between Libya and Egypt is now restricted exclusively to Libyan and Egyptian nationals, citing bilateral agreements between the two countries.

The ministry issued the statement in response to growing controversy over the international aid convoy “Al-Sumoud 2”, which was attempting to reach the Gaza Strip. The convoy included volunteers from more than 11 countries. Ten activists from the convoy were subsequently detained.

“The relevant authorities in the eastern region dealt with the matter within the framework of legal and humanitarian responsibility,” the ministry said. 

It added that all those involved “are receiving the necessary care and medical and humanitarian follow-up.

”The ministry reaffirmed Libya’s support for the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people, while stressing that “respect for national sovereignty and the legal regulations governing the movement of individuals across borders is non-negotiable.

Italian media reported that two Italian activists and eight others of different nationalities were detained while trying to negotiate passage for the aid convoy through eastern Libya and onward to Egypt. The group was transferred to Benghazi.

Earlier, the Libyan Coalition to Support Palestinian Rights said contact had been lost with ten foreign participants in the convoy after they reached Gate 5+5 in Sirte.