Tunisians stage sit-in outside US Embassy, demanding release of Global Sumud Flotilla activists

By Yamna Salmi and Ikram Kouachi

TUNIS, Tunisia/ANKARA (AA) – Dozens of Tunisian activists staged an open-ended sit-in outside the US Embassy in the capital of Tunis on Friday, denouncing Israel’s detention of activists, including Tunisians, following its assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla, and demanding their immediate release.

The protest was organized by the Joint Action Coordination for Palestine, a coalition of associations, and the Tunisian Network to Confront the Normalization System.

On Wednesday evening, Israeli naval forces launched a multi-hour attack on the flotilla while it was sailing in international waters of the Mediterranean, seizing dozens of vessels and detaining hundreds of activists on board.

Speaking to Anadolu at the protest site, activist Saeed Bouajla of the Tunisian Network said: “We will not abandon our captives in the hands of the Zionist entity; they are victims of piracy and illegal operations in international waters.

“Israel operates without accountability, ignoring any moral or legal obligations, committing the worst crimes in Gaza, and violating all laws by forcibly seizing activists in international waters under intimidation and threats.”

Bouajla also accused the US administration of being directly responsible, saying: “We stand here before the embassy of the American enemy, which enables piracy and bullying around the world. We point the finger at the US administration.”

He emphasized the need to safeguard the detainees, adding: “They must return home, as there is no justification for their continued detention, whether temporary or permanent.”

The activist described Israel’s actions as “piracy and illegal terrorism on the high seas” and said the sit-in will continue until the Tunisian detainees are released.

Protesters set up tents with the names of flotilla ships and banners reading, "The sit-in continues until the prisoners are freed."

About 25 Tunisians participated in the flotilla, including Member of Parliament Mohamed Ali Suleiman, Anadolu’s correspondent reported.

According to the latest figures from the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, one of the main organizers of the mission, Israel attacked and seized 42 ships from the flotilla.

This marks the first time dozens of vessels sailed together toward Gaza, carrying 532 civilian solidarity activists from more than 45 countries.

Israel has maintained its blockade on Gaza for 18 years. Nearly 1.5 million Palestinians in the enclave, out of a population of approximately 2.4 million, remain homeless after Israel’s genocidal war destroyed their homes.