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.



Israeli Strike Kills 3 in West Bank

A Palestinian woman watches an operation by the Israeli military in Tulkarem refugee camp in the West Bank, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
A Palestinian woman watches an operation by the Israeli military in Tulkarem refugee camp in the West Bank, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
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Israeli Strike Kills 3 in West Bank

A Palestinian woman watches an operation by the Israeli military in Tulkarem refugee camp in the West Bank, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
A Palestinian woman watches an operation by the Israeli military in Tulkarem refugee camp in the West Bank, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Thursday three people have been killed in an Israeli strike on a home in the occupied West Bank.
It said the apparent strike was carried out overnight into Thursday in the Tulkarem refugee camp. It did not say whether those killed were fighters or civilians.
The Israeli military said aircraft struck “several militants” in Tulkarem as ground forces searched for buried explosives in an operation that was still ongoing.

The West Bank has seen a surge of violence since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack out of Gaza ignited the war there. Israeli forces carry out near-daily raids in the West Bank that often ignite gunbattles with Palestinians.