In a significant development highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region, Luisa Morgantini, a former member of the European Parliament known for her activism in peace and human rights, was arrested by Israeli forces in Hebron on January 30, 2025.
The arrest took place in the Kiryat Arba settlement, a location known for its extremist settler community and frequent flashpoints of conflict.
According to reports, Luisa Morgantini, who served as a vice-president of the European Parliament, was detained alongside Roberto Bongiorni, a journalist from Il Sole 24 Ore, Italy’s leading financial newspaper.
Luisa Morgantini and Bongiorni were in the area to gather material for a report on the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a topic that has drawn international scrutiny and criticism.
Luisa Morgantini and Bongiorni were accused of entering a restricted military zone, an accusation that both denied, as no signs indicating such restrictions were reportedly visible.
Following their arrest, they were taken to a police station in Kiryat Arba, where their electronic devices, including laptops and phones, were confiscated.
This move has been criticized by various parties as an attempt to stifle free press and activism.
The news of their detention has elicited strong responses from various quarters.
The Italian Consulate and the Farnesina, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were promptly informed, indicating the international dimension of the incident.
The Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) delegation at the European Parliament issued a statement expressing dismay and concern over the arrest, urging Israel to release the two Italian citizens immediately.
They emphasized the need for Israel to cease intimidating the press and silencing independent voices, calling on the European Union to exert pressure for their release.
The arrest has also raised questions about the respect for international journalists and political figures in conflict zones.
The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, during a separate visit to Israel, has previously expressed regret over similar incidents, underlining the importance of respecting Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the European Parliament for maintaining good diplomatic relations.
This incident adds to the long-standing controversy surrounding Kiryat Arba, a settlement with a history of violence and international legal disputes.
Named after the ancient Biblical city of Kiriath-arba, the modern settlement has been at the center of numerous conflicts, including attacks and counterattacks between settlers and Palestinians.
As of the latest updates, both Luisa Morgantini and Bongiorni have been released after hours of interrogation, with their electronic devices still under seizure.
The Italian National Press Federation (Fnsi) has condemned the action, calling for the immediate return of the journalist’s equipment, emphasizing that journalists should not be targeted and that freedom of reporting is crucial.
The international community continues to watch closely as this situation unfolds, with many calling for a review of policies regarding the treatment of international observers, journalists, and activists in occupied territories.
This incident underscores the fragile balance of peace activism, journalism, and political diplomacy in regions of conflict.
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