The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has expressed "its deep indignation and great concern" after the Tunisian Wael Nawar, a member of its Steering Committee, has begun a hunger strike to denounce his situation of preventive detention in Tunisia and that of three other members of the organization.
"The Global Sumud Flotilla expresses its deep indignation and great concern following the announcement that Wael Nawar, a member of the Steering Committee, officially began the 'Sumud Hunger Strike' on Sunday, August 16," the platform stated in a statement linking this step with the activist's protests against his arrest in Tunisian territory, as well as that of his fellow organizers Gasen Henchiri, Gasen Bougdiri, and Nabil Chanufi.
The GSF has reminded that the four "were arrested in March 2026, shortly after Tunisian authorities blocked the planned departure of the Global Sumud Flotilla from the port of Sidi Bou Said," and has emphasized that they remain imprisoned for alleged financial crimes that the organization qualifies as "fabricated and politically motivated, an attempt to criminalize humanitarian action and organized solidarity with Palestine in Tunisia."
According to the Flotilla, "while three co-organizers were released under restrictive conditions prohibiting freedom of movement, the 'Four of Sumud' remain behind bars in overcrowded and deteriorating conditions, with limited access to vital medical care," which has increased the alarm over their state.
In light of this scenario, the organization has emphasized that "it holds the Tunisian authorities fully responsible for the physical safety and life of Wael Nawar and his detained companions" and has demanded their "immediate and unconditional release (...), the dismissal of all charges against them, and the lifting of all restrictions imposed on the released organizers." In parallel, it has requested that, while they remain deprived of liberty, "the authorities must immediately ensure comprehensive medical care and detention conditions that respect their fundamental rights."
In its message, the GSF insists that "state harassment will never erase the moral imperative to end the genocide in Gaza nor dissuade those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people," and concludes reaffirming that "it firmly supports Wael Nawar, his family, and our imprisoned comrades, and urges global civil society to demand their immediate release."