Is Tunisia preparing to host Palestinians from Gaza?

Tunisia is witnessing a heated debate following remarks by the leader of the Third Republic Party, Olfa Hamdi, about “advanced discussions” between authorities and Arab and Western parties regarding the reception of displaced Palestinians from Gaza, Arabi21 reported.

The issue has sparked widespread political and public opposition, with many rejecting any attempt to resettle Palestinians outside their homeland.

In a post on Facebook, Hamdi said that President Kais Saied has already begun talks with Arab and Western entities to receive Palestinians who have been displaced due to the ongoing Israeli aggression.

She described these efforts as “unacceptable to the public”, stressing that Tunisians have previously expressed strong opposition to such initiatives.

Hamdi called for a national referendum before any decision is made on hosting Palestinian refugees, arguing that such a step requires the approval of the Tunisian people through the ballot box rather than unilateral decisions by the executive authority.

In her latest statement, Hamdi warned against allowing any individuals “affiliated with armed groups from Gaza” into Tunisia, claiming that this could pose a security risk to both Tunisia and North Africa as a whole. She further stated that accepting any armed Palestinian elements could create a situation similar to past security crises, putting the country at significant risk.

She also announced that her party would file a legal challenge with the Tunisian Administrative Court against an agreement signed by Justice Minister Leila Jaffel and her Saudi counterpart. Hamdi argued that this deal could “facilitate displacement operations” and asserted that it contradicts Tunisian laws.

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