Tunisian counterterrorism police arrested five organisers of a pro-Palestinian flotilla on Friday, activists said, raising fresh tensions around a planned aid voyage to Gaza.
Campaigners said the detainees were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative, which aims to sail toward the besieged enclave this spring.
The activists hoped to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance by sea during a renewed maritime mission.
All five detainees are Tunisian nationals, though the exact reasons for their arrest remain unclear, according to statements released by organisers.
The group demanded “immediate clarifications” from authorities and called for the release of Nabil Channoufi, Wael Naouar, Sana Msahli, Jawaher Channa, and Mohamed Amin Bannour.
Organisers condemned the arrests, describing them as a serious blow to what they called Tunisia’s long tradition of solidarity with Palestinians.
The campaign also accused authorities of repeatedly restricting peaceful activities connected to the flotilla movement in recent days.
Earlier this week, activists said police violently blocked them from reaching the port of Sidi Bou Said, where a previous flotilla had departed last year.
Another gathering planned for Thursday to prepare the upcoming mission was cancelled shortly before it was scheduled to begin, organisers said.
Tunisian authorities have not publicly confirmed the arrests and have issued no official explanation regarding the reported detentions.
The Global Sumud Flotilla describes its voyages as a nonviolent effort to challenge the blockade and deliver aid to Gaza’s struggling population.
Last year, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla before it reached Gaza, seizing the vessels and detaining the activists.
Those activists were later deported after Israeli authorities prevented the boats from continuing toward the Palestinian territory.
Israel maintains tight control over Gaza’s borders and carefully inspects all humanitarian assistance entering the coastal enclave.