Tunisian lawmakers have voiced strong condemnation following the arrest of MP Mohamed Ali during a humanitarian mission to Gaza, describing the operation as a serious violation of international law.
The MP was detained alongside other members of the Soumoud Global Flotilla, which was transporting aid to the Palestinian territory.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, members of the Assembly of People’s Representatives (ARP) denounced the incident as a “criminal kidnapping” and a “flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian law.”
They emphasized that the arrest not only undermines freedom of movement and humanitarian efforts but also constitutes “a direct attack on a sovereign institution embodying the will of the Tunisian people.”
The parliamentarians called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mohamed Ali and all other detainees, holding Israeli authorities “fully responsible” for their safety. They described the detention as a deliberate provocation against Tunisia and its citizens.
“Faced with this situation, a firm national response is necessary,” the statement read. The MPs urged the government to convene an extraordinary parliamentary session and to establish an emergency committee tasked with coordinating with Tunisian authorities and international organizations to secure the swift release of those detained.
Tunisia’s lawmakers also called on the international community, foreign parliaments, and human rights organizations to denounce the arrests and to intervene to protect the flotilla participants. The ARP highlighted the importance of international support in ensuring that humanitarian missions can operate safely and without obstruction.
The incident has reignited debates over the protection of humanitarian workers and the responsibilities of states under international law. Observers note that such operations are increasingly fraught with political and security risks, yet they remain vital for delivering aid to conflict-affected regions.
As tensions continue to escalate, Tunisian authorities are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts, while lawmakers press for swift international action to secure the release of Mohamed Ali and his colleagues, underscoring the broader implications for Tunisia’s foreign policy and humanitarian engagement in the region.
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