Tunisian Opposition Parties Call for ‘National Salvation Conference’

Tunisian President Kais Saied speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia. Reuters file photo
Tunisian President Kais Saied speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia. Reuters file photo
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Tunisian Opposition Parties Call for ‘National Salvation Conference’

Tunisian President Kais Saied speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia. Reuters file photo
Tunisian President Kais Saied speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia. Reuters file photo

A number of Tunisian opposition parties have called for a "national salvation conference" to unite efforts in confronting the country’s economic and social crises.

They said the conference should be organized by President Kais Said, who was elected by the majority of the people. However, the president has not yet made an announcement.

The political initiative is led by the parliamentary National Reform bloc, headed by Hassouna Nasfi, and the People's Movement of Zouhair Maghzaoui.

They stressed the importance of overcoming sharp differences, especially that Ennahda Movement seeks to control the government to serve its narrow interests.

Maghzaoui indicated that the president has an opportunity to bring political parties closer as part of a national dialogue that would help end tensions among them.

Maghzaoui strongly criticized the Heart of Tunisia party for supporting the government of Hichem Mechichi, and for joining a parliamentary coalition led by Ennahda.

A number of political parties are forming a parliamentary bloc against the alliance led by Ennahda.

Maghzaoui said that the main purpose of the new alliance is to provide an alternative to the prevailing political division between Islamist political figures and parties of the old regime, in reference to the Free Destourian Party.

He revealed that this front supports the government even if they disagree on several positions and priorities.

The call for a national salvation conference is also supported by Mashrou Tounes movement, Beni Watani party, al-Amal party, and the Democratic party.



Rights Groups Express Renewed Concerns About Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

A Palestinian child looks on while being examined by a doctor at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, amid fears over the spread of polio after the first case was reported by the Ministry of health, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, August 18, 2024. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed
A Palestinian child looks on while being examined by a doctor at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, amid fears over the spread of polio after the first case was reported by the Ministry of health, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, August 18, 2024. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed
TT

Rights Groups Express Renewed Concerns About Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

A Palestinian child looks on while being examined by a doctor at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, amid fears over the spread of polio after the first case was reported by the Ministry of health, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, August 18, 2024. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed
A Palestinian child looks on while being examined by a doctor at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, amid fears over the spread of polio after the first case was reported by the Ministry of health, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, August 18, 2024. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed

Rights groups on Thursday expressed renewed concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza after Israel’s latest evacuation orders in parts of the overcrowded central city of Deir al-Balah.
The polio virus has been circulating in the battered Palestinian enclave for the first time in 25 years, relief organization the International Rescue Committee said in a statement. It said the spread resulted from the destruction of hospitals and water infrastructure, along with overcrowded living conditions, reported The Associated Press.
“The news of polio in Gaza should be an alarm bell that more infectious diseases are on the way,” Dr. Jude Senkugu, the group's emergency health coordinator in the territory, said in the statement. “Without clean water, it is nearly impossible to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, as people do not have enough to drink, leaving them with no other choice but to drink contaminated water.”
Meanwhile, international medical organization Doctors Without Borders warned that shrinking living spaces would cause diseases to spread faster.
The majority of Gaza’s population of about 2 million have been displaced in the ongoing Hamas-Israel war since Oct. 7, often more than once. Israel has scaled up its evacuation orders over the past month.
“There is no room to put tents up. The overcrowding, severe lack of water, and minimal sanitation services are fueling the spread of diseases,” Doctors Without Borders' project coordinator Jacob Granger said in a statement. “We are unable to keep up with the overwhelming needs.”
Both organizations have echoed calls from global aid agencies for an immediate cease-fire.