Five Italian activists who had been arrested by Israeli forces in the West Bank returned to Italy on Saturday, according to an announcement by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The activists were arrested on Thursday while accompanying Palestinian farmers taking part in the olive harvest. Israel said they were in an area where security forces had not previously granted permission for agricultural activities.
On Friday, during his visit to Istanbul, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called their detention «unacceptable» and said the activists «had not committed any offence».
In a statement on Saturday, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the activists had met with a consular official before leaving Israel and that they were found to be in «good physical condition».
"The return of our compatriots, who had been detained in the West Bank, took place this morning," the statement said.
Israel is facing growing international criticism over violence during the olive harvest season. Human rights organisations are recording multiple attacks and other interventions by settlers against Palestinians every day.
Tensions in the West Bank are escalating following the killing of two Israeli soldiers by Palestinian militants on Friday at a checkpoint near Hebron, days before crucial elections in Israel.
Source: CNA
