The South African chapter of the Global Sumud Flotilla is relieved that Tunisian Palestine human rights defender Wael Naouar has suspended his hunger strike after 38 days, following appeals from international organisations, political, civil and faith-based leaders.
Wael began his hunger strike on 16 August in protest against his and three of his comrades” continued detention without trial, a detention akin to what thousands of Palestinian hostages in Zionist prisons have experienced and are experiencing as administrative detention.
By the time Wael suspended his hunger stroke, his health had deteriorated severely. The Global Sumud Flotilla had reported serious concerns about his condition, while his family, legal team and the Tunisian League for Human Rights had described it as critically dangerous.
His decision to end the strike is most welcome. But the circumstances that led him to undertake it remain deeply concerning for all who are committed to ending the Siege on Gaza.
His decision to end the strike is most welcome. But the circumstances that led him to undertake it remain deeply concerning for all who are committed to ending the Siege on Gaza.
He said; “Suspending the strike does not mean retreating from our demands or abandoning our cause. It means continuing the struggle through other means while preserving our lives and health.” Wael reaffirmed that no prison or smear campaign would shake his commitment for Palestine and that their suffering was nothing compared to the inhumane suffering of Palestinians.
Wael Naouar, Ghassan Henchiri, Nabil Channoufi and Ghassan Boughdiri, known collectively as the Sumud Four, have been held in Mornaguia Prison near Tunis since March 2026.
The Sumud 4 have not been convicted of any offence. On 11 September, their pre-trial detention was extended for a further four months.
To justify their actions the Tunisian authorities initiated a smear campaign, but their allegations have been proven to be baseless by the prosecution’s delay in initiating a trial thus delaying and denying them justice.
To justify their actions the Tunisian authorities initiated a smear campaign, but their allegations have been proven to be baseless by the prosecution’s delay in initiating a trial thus delaying and denying them justice.
Their lawyers, supporters and the Global Solidarity Movement have no doubt that the main reason for attempting to silencing them is based on their organisation in support of the campaigns to break the siege on Gaza and expose the ongoing genocide committed by the Israel Apartheid Regime.
Global Sumud South Africa is increasingly concerned by what appears to be a wider targeting of Palestine solidarity activists in Tunisia.
Following a protest in Tunis demanding the release of the Sumud Four, Tunisian authorities detained protest participants in the streets and at their homes. The Tunisian Sumud Committee reported at least 15 arrests. Among those detained was Rachid Othman, a member of the National Committee for the Defence of Flotilla Activists, who had spoken publicly about the health of the four detainees.
Following a protest in Tunis demanding the release of the Sumud Four, Tunisian authorities detained protest participants in the streets and at their homes. The Tunisian Sumud Committee reported at least 15 arrests. Among those detained was Rachid Othman, a member of the National Committee for the Defence of Flotilla Activists, who had spoken publicly about the health of the four detainees.
For South Africans, these developments carry particular weight. Our liberation struggle was sustained by people beyond our borders who refused to remain silent while South Africans were imprisoned, persecuted and denied fundamental rights under apartheid.
We remember the solidarity extended to our struggle across the African continent, including by Tunisia as far back as 1962 when President Habib Bourguiba and Tunisia hosted and donated to the anti-apartheid cause during a visit from our first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela.
More recently, Global Sumud South Africa speak fondly of the fraternal solidarity of the people and government of Tunisia experienced prior to attempting to break the siege in 2025.
Despite attacks at Sidi bou Said on some of the boats, Tunisia showed us and the world the true meaning of Sumud by refusing to cower to the Zionist entity and still granting permission for departure.
We do not invoke that history lightly. Solidarity creates obligations in the present, not only memories of the past.
It is precisely because we recognise Tunisia’s history of solidarity with anti-colonial struggles and with the Palestinian cause that the present situation is so troubling.
It is precisely because we recognise Tunisia’s history of solidarity with anti-colonial struggles and with the Palestinian cause that the present situation is so troubling.
Global Sumud South Africa calls for:
1. Full and immediate disclosure of Wael Naouar’s medical condition to his family and legal representatives, together with access to appropriate and independent medical care.
2. The release of Wael Naouar, Ghassan Henchiri, Nabil Channoufi and Ghassan Boughdirifrom prolonged pre-trial detention, with their full due-process rights respected in any legal proceedings.
3. The release of all those detained for peacefully demonstrating in solidarity with the Sumud Four.
4. An end to the criminalisation and repression of peaceful Palestine solidarity people.
Wael’s suspension of his hunger strike is a relief. It does not resolve the injustice that drove him to risk his life in the first place. The Sumud Four remain detained, and Palestine solidarity activists are being arrested for demanding their release.
Free the Sumud Four.
Free all Palestinian prisoners.
GLOBAL SUMUD SOUTH AFRICA
Free all Palestinian prisoners.
GLOBAL SUMUD SOUTH AFRICA