Dozens of protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in Tunis on Tuesday, advocating for the expulsion of the American ambassador and legislation to criminalize normalization with Israel. The demonstration, organized by pro-Palestinian groups, coincided with the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Protesters waved Palestinian flags, chanted against US policy, and held signs reading “Stop the genocidal war in Gaza” and “Criminalize normalization if you are sincere.” The sit-in was marked by a heavy police presence, with speakers urging Tunisian lawmakers to sever all ties with Israel. Ahmed Al-Kahlawi, head of the National Authority to Support the Resistance and Oppose Normalization, praised the resilience of Palestinians, stating that they “did not surrender, resisted, and sacrificed martyrs.”
Assala Azouzi, from the Joint Action Association for Palestine, emphasized the movement’s determination to continue until Tunisia takes decisive action. “Our voice is for Gaza, our voice is for Palestine,” she said. “We will continue to besiege the American embassy and all embassies complicit in the Palestinian tragedy.” Organizers have vowed to sustain the sit-in until authorities pass anti-normalization laws and ensure humanitarian access to Gaza.
The protest highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, with many countries in the region calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community has been watching the situation closely, with some nations criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. The demonstrators in Tunis are part of a broader movement across the Arab world, advocating for Palestinian rights and an end to Israeli occupation.
As the situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing violence and humanitarian crises, the need for a lasting solution becomes increasingly urgent. The protest in Tunis serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict and working towards a peaceful and equitable resolution. With the sit-in set to continue, attention will be focused on the response of Tunisian authorities and the international community to the protesters’ demands.
