Cairo, Egypt – The “Sumud Flotilla” crisis has entered a new phase of escalation. The Israeli Navy intercepted the vessel while it was en route to the Gaza Strip, marking the beginning of a complex humanitarian and diplomatic crisis. This escalation comes after the arrest of dozens of activists and supporters of various nationalities, including Lebanese and Tunisian citizens.
In Beirut, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants announced that it is urgently working through its official channels to determine the fate of the two detained Lebanese citizens. It affirmed that it will spare no effort to secure their release. The ministry also emphasized that what happened constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. Lebanon is following up on the case with international and regional organizations.
As for Tunisia, it has raised the bar for its political stance. President Kais Saied directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to redouble diplomatic and media efforts to secure the release of detained Tunisians. He affirmed that his country will not abandon its sons and will not remain silent in the face of repeated Israeli violations. He added, “Tunisian positions rejecting the crimes of the occupation have become audible worldwide. We will not back down.”
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have begun deportation proceedings against a number of foreign activists. Four Italian citizens have already been deported, while the deportation of others is ongoing. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the goal is to “complete these proceedings as quickly as possible.”
