Tunisia has never recognized Israel. The two countries exchanged “interest offices” in the late 1990s, but Tunis severed ties again in 2000, amid the Palestinian uprising known as the Second Intifada.
The Tunisian parliament began discussing on Thursday a bill that would define any attempt to normalize relations with Israel as treasonous, citing support for the Palestinian cause, RT reported.
The proposal defines “normalization” as “recognition of the Zionist entity or the establishment of direct or indirect ties” with it, and classifies it as a crime in the category of “high treason.”
A demonstration outside the Tunisian parliament, to call for the passage of a bill that would criminalize normalization with #Israel. pic.twitter.com/m3u33KMicU
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) November 3, 2023
Any interaction with Israelis, including at “events, demonstrations, meetings, exhibitions, and competitions,” and in any context, whether “political, economic, scientific, cultural, artistic or sporting” in territory held or occupied by Israel, would be prohibited.
Anyone found guilty of “normalization” could face 6-10 years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 Tunisian dinars ($31,553), while repeat offenders could be locked up for life.
“There is total agreement between the president, the parliament, and public opinion” on the issue, speaker of the parliament Ibrahim Bouderbala said in the opening remarks of the session.
“We strongly believe Palestine must be liberated from the river to the sea… and that a Palestinian state must be established with holy Jerusalem as its capital.”
Tunisian President Kais Saied said last month that it was “Tunisia’s duty to stand by the Palestinian people” and declared anyone who would normalize relations with Israel a “traitor.”
Tunisia has never recognized Israel. The two countries exchanged “interest offices” in the late 1990s, but Tunis severed ties again in 2000, amid the Palestinian uprising known as the Second Intifada.
Israel has, thus far, killed over 9,227 Palestinians in Gaza, including nearly 3,826 children and 2,045 women, and wounded more than 23,516. Palestinian Ministry of Health reports and international organizations say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.
Hassan #Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Resistance Movement #Hezbollah, is expected to deliver a much-anticipated speech as #US Secretary of State Antony #Blinken arrives in #Israel. https://t.co/5iF1QvNfhH pic.twitter.com/tAgkQ4qTSd
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) November 3, 2023
Despite a massive Israeli military buildup around the Gaza borders and sporadic infiltrations on the outskirts of the besieged Strip, Palestinian Resistance continues to repel Israeli attacks.
To justify its military failure, the Israeli army continues to pound civilian homes throughout the Gaza Strip with new massacres reported everywhere in the besieged enclave.
Gaza has been under a tight Israeli military siege since 2007, following a democratic election in occupied Palestine, the results of which were rejected by Tel Aviv and Washington.
(PC, RT)
