Business News reported that during his 2019 presidential campaign, Tunisian candidate Kais Saied made a memorable statement in a debate, declaring that normalization with Israel was "a high treason." At the time, his supporters often referred to him as the "candidate of Palestine," reflecting his strong opposition to Israel. Now, nearly seven years after becoming President of Tunisia, Saied’s stance on the Jewish state appears to have shifted significantly. The current situation has drawn attention due to the handling of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of activists who organized multiple boats to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza. In October 2025, Israeli coast guards intercepted the flotilla and returned the activists to Tunisia. According to Al-Jazeera, at least seven members were arrested, with three later released. Business News highlighted the situation in an editorial titled, "Israel arrests them, Tunisia imprisons them," using a provocative tone to draw attention to the legal actions taken against the activists. They are now facing charges of money laundering and embezzlement of donations, according to the report. This has sparked controversy, especially among those who once supported Saied’s pro-Palestinian rhetoric. Wael Naouar, a prominent leader of the Global Sumud movement, has begun a hunger strike to protest the conditions of his detention. His actions have drawn international attention and raised questions about the legal and political implications of the case. The situation underscores the complex relationship between Tunisia and Israel, as well as the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.