Summary:

On 27 September 2024, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon targeted the leader of Lebanon’s militant Shia Islamist movement Hezbollah, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, whose death was confirmed by Hezbollah the following day. 

The death of such an influential figure in the Arab world affected many Tunisians, some of whom engaged in protests following the news. 

Spontaneous sit-ins emerged in multiple places especially near Western embassies and institutions, including the British Council, Amideast and the French Institute. 

On 29 September 2024, the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) called for protests to condemn the killing of Nasrallah and the Israeli raids in Lebanon, but did not set a date. 

Some Tunisian commentators on social media mourned Hassan Nasrallah, while others criticized the leader for his support of the Assad regime in Syria. 

The death of the Shia leader also sparked comments from some Tunisians highlighting the sectarian differences between Shiites and Sunnis, with some equating Shiites with Israelis, thereby forbidding any support for them and their leaders. 

Outlook: 

The reactions of Tunisian citizens and organizations after the death of Nasrallah highlights the attachment of Tunisians to various causes around the Arab world.  

However, this event was an opportunity for cultural and religious cleavages to rise to the surface among Tunisians, pointing to the impact of global events deepening divides domestically.  

Events in the Middle East are likely to continue drawing support in the form of protests in Tunisia, particularly as these events play out alongside Tunisia’s controversial election process. Additional caution is required as protests could easily evolve into clashes between various groups with differing views. 

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