Tunisia has denounced the continued Israeli settlement policies in the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza, warning of a deteriorating situation in the Middle East. The condemnation came from Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti during a speech at the UN General Assembly in New York. He expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza.
Minister Nafti urged the international community to assume its legal, moral, and humanitarian responsibilities to address the longstanding Palestinian issue. He emphasized Tunisia's rejection of all unilateral measures aimed at altering the historical, legal, and demographic status of Jerusalem. The minister also called for guaranteeing safe and urgent access to humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.
The Tunisian Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of enabling the UN and its specialized agencies, including the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), to carry out their tasks. He warned that any attempt to dismantle UNRWA or undermine its mandate would be an attempt to eliminate the right of return and resolve the Palestinian issue.
Minister Nafti reaffirmed Tunisia's commitment to supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent state with full sovereignty over all Palestinian territories, with Jerusalem as its capital. He also expressed concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and its potential catastrophic consequences for the region and the world.
Tunisia called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue and negotiation to resolve the conflicts in the region. The minister also expressed support for a Libyan-led solution to the Libyan crisis, based on dialogue and consensus among the parties. He reiterated Tunisia's solidarity with Lebanon and its stance against Israeli attacks on Syrian territory.
Minister Nafti also expressed concern over the ongoing war in Sudan and called on the UN to support efforts to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire. He hoped that the Yemeni people would reach a comprehensive and lasting political settlement that would restore security, stability, and territorial unity to Yemen.
In conclusion, Tunisia's Foreign Minister emphasized the need for the international community to address the root causes of conflicts in the region and to support a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. He reiterated Tunisia's commitment to promoting peace, stability, and security in the Middle East and beyond.
Key points
- Tunisia condemns Israel's ongoing settlement policies and warns of escalating Middle East situation.
- Tunisia supports a Libyan-led solution to the Libyan crisis and expresses solidarity with Lebanon.
- Tunisia calls for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflicts in the region.
