Tunisia's Foreign Minister, Mohamed Ali Nafti, has reaffirmed the country's position on the status of Al-Quds and its support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. Speaking at a meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers in New York on September 25, 2026, Nafti emphasized that Al-Quds is an integral part of occupied Palestinian territory and that Israel has no sovereignty there. He stated that any measures aimed at altering the city's character, status, or demographic and legal composition are null and without legal effect.
Nafti's comments were made during a meeting organized on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The meeting was held to discuss the situation in Al-Quds, and Nafti stressed that Tunisia will continue to support the Palestinian people and their cause. He also denounced Israeli policies and practices in the occupied territories, including colonization, annexation, and forced displacement of populations. Nafti called for the protection of Al-Quds and its population, including support for the resilience of Palestinians in the city.
The Tunisian Foreign Minister condemned the ongoing violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque and attempts to alter its historical and legal status. He emphasized that protecting Al-Quds and its population requires international responsibility and support. Nafti also highlighted the need to protect religious properties, waqfs, and Palestinian heritage in Al-Quds. He called for strengthened coordination between the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the UN.
Nafti warned against the consequences of attacks on holy sites, incitement, and provocative practices, which he said could threaten regional and international peace and security. He stressed that protecting Al-Quds and its holy sites is a international responsibility based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter. Tunisia, he said, will continue to work with Arab and Muslim countries to protect Al-Quds and support the Palestinian people.
The Tunisian Foreign Minister called for the establishment of durable mechanisms to document violations, strengthen accountability, and counter attempts to impose faits accomplis. He also urged intensified contacts with influential countries to promote the adoption of diplomatic and political measures to enforce international law. Nafti emphasized that Tunisia will continue to contribute to the reinforcement of Arab and Islamic action in support of Al-Quds and the Palestinian cause.
As part of its presidency of the 166th session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level, Tunisia aims to strengthen Arab and Islamic action in support of Al-Quds and the Palestinian cause. The country will continue to work with Arab and Muslim countries to protect Al-Quds and its holy sites. Nafti reaffirmed Tunisia's commitment to Al-Quds-East as the capital of the Palestinian state.
Tunisia's stance on Al-Quds and the Palestinian cause remains unwavering. The country supports the establishment of an independent and fully sovereign Palestinian state, which it believes is the only way to achieve a just, durable, and comprehensive peace. The international community, Nafti said, has a responsibility to protect Al-Quds and its population.
Key points
- Tunisia reaffirms its support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state
- The country denounces Israeli policies and practices in the occupied territories
- Tunisia calls for international responsibility and support to protect Al-Quds and its population
