Tunisian lawmaker says parliament backing his participation in Gaza-bound flotilla

TUNIS, Tunisia / ISTANBUL

Tunisian parliamentarian Mohamed Ali said Wednesday that his participation in a Gaza-bound flotilla is backed by the legislature, describing the mission as both a moral obligation and a reflection of Tunisia’s historic bond with Palestine.

“This is a principled and moral decision, and I consider it part of the special relationship that binds us to Palestine,” Ali told Anadolu in an interview before the flotilla sets sail from the coastal town of Sidi Bou Said.

Ali said the initiative has also been discussed inside the Tunisian parliament, underscoring “a collective will to support the flotilla and its goals.”

He warned that Israel might attempt to intercept the ships as it has in the past.

“It is not the first time Israel has targeted ships supporting Palestine. Previous flotillas were attacked and lives were lost,” he said, accusing Tel Aviv of “piracy” and “racist behavior” since 1948.

The flotilla, described as the largest maritime solidarity mission to date, is bringing together vessels that departed earlier from Spain and Italy and is organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and other international groups.

Ali also highlighted the symbolism of Sidi Bou Said, one of Tunisia’s most visited tourist destinations. “The town is not only a tourist attraction but home to people who see the defense of Palestine as part of their identity,” he said.

“Tunisians have fought alongside Palestinians and offered martyrs. What we are doing today is very small compared to the sacrifices of Palestinian children and women,” he added.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness,” is made up of more than 50 ships carrying people from various countries, including doctors, journalists and campaigners. Around 150 activists, including Tunisians, Turkish citizens and others from Europe, Africa and Asia, are participating in the initiative.

The flotilla set sail from Barcelona in late August, along with another group from Genoa, Italy and is expected to depart Tunisia on Wednesday for Gaza.

The initiative aims to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed on Aug. 22 that famine had taken hold in northern Gaza and warned it could spread as Israel’s blockade continues.

The Israeli army has continued a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip, killing at least 64,600 Palestinians since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.