Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti presided over the Arab-Islamic ministerial meeting on Al-Qods in New York on September 26, 2026. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to a statement from the ministry, Nafti emphasized that protecting Al-Qods and its holy sites is closely tied to supporting its inhabitants. He called for strengthened Arab, Islamic, and international support in areas such as housing, education, healthcare, and development.
Nafti warned that repeated aggressions against holy sites and provocations threaten regional and international peace. He stressed that protecting Al-Qods is an international responsibility based on international law and the UN Charter. The Tunisian minister also highlighted the importance of defending the role of the Al-Qods Committee and the Bayt Mal Al-Qods Agency. He urged the international community to take a firm stance against actions that undermine the city's status.
The minister reiterated that Al-Qods is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories and that any measures aimed at changing its status are null and void. He emphasized Tunisia's commitment to Al-Qods as the capital of a Palestinian state. Nafti also underscored that the establishment of an independent and fully sovereign Palestinian state is the path to a just, durable, and global peace, in line with international legitimacy resolutions.
Nafti denounced Israel's illegal policies, including the expansion of settlements, annexation measures, demolition, forced displacement, and repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He called for stronger coordination between the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation within the United Nations. The minister also advocated for developing sustainable mechanisms to document violations and enhance accountability.
The Tunisian minister urged intensified contacts with influential countries to secure dissuasive political and diplomatic measures. He emphasized the need for a unified Arab and Islamic stance to protect Al-Qods. Nafti's statements reflect Tunisia's commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the president of the 166th session of the Arab League Council, Nafti affirmed Tunisia's readiness to continue its engagement alongside Arab and Muslim brothers to protect Al-Qods and strengthen collective action. The meeting in New York provided a platform for Arab and Islamic nations to discuss the challenges facing Al-Qods and coordinate their efforts to support the city and its inhabitants.
The Arab-Islamic meeting on Al-Qods concluded with a renewed commitment to protecting the city's holy sites and promoting a just and lasting peace in the region. The participants emphasized the importance of international cooperation and collective action to address the challenges facing Al-Qods and the Palestinian people.
Key points
- Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti calls for unified Arab and Islamic action to protect Al-Qods and its holy sites.
