Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Tunisian Parliament on Monday to denounce Parliament Speaker Ibrahim Bouderbela's decision to postpone a public session to vote on a draft law that would criminalise the normalisation of relations with Israel.
“The draft law has been discussed in previous parliaments and every time it failed to pass as it never reached the necessary votes threshold … They [MPs] always came up with vague excuses to justify that,” Ela Hedef, a member of the Tunisian Anti-Normalisation Campaign, told The National on the sidelines of Monday’s protest.
The proposal, which was submitted by the National Sovereign parliamentary bloc, is intended to punish those who might engage or co-operate with Israel in all sectors including, trade, the economy and cultural activities, as well as international or private events that take place in the country or any territories subject to Israeli control.
The proposed law stipulates harsh punishments, including a life jail sentence, for any act that could be perceived as attempting normalisation.
“The law is going to pass no matter what, whether there are opposers or supporters, it is going to pass,” Mohamed Ali, an MP from the National Sovereign bloc who participated in the drafting of the law, told The National outside parliament.
Ninety-seven MPs approved the draft law last week, however the Parliament Speaker’s unilateral decision to postpone Monday’s public session sparked anger among lawmakers and the public.
Mr Ali said that his bloc is now pressuring parliament to conduct a public voting session on Thursday, while accusing some parties of trying to undermine the process.
“For me, it is natural for the process to include debate in order to reach a consensus, however, some people might be trying to shake this process,” he said, without naming the people.
Ms Hedef said that the demand to criminalise normalisation with Israel does not only stem from the fact that Israel is “an occupying entity” but previous crimes perpetrated against Tunisia, such as the bombing of the headquarters of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation in Tunis in 1985 that killed dozens of Tunisians and Palestinians.
“We have blood between us and Tunisia is supposed to consider itself in a continuous state of war with Israel for that bombing,” Ms Hedef explained.
The UN Security Council condemned the attack and called on Israel to pay reparations for the human and material losses of Tunisians, but Israel never adhered to the resolution.
Several artists and athletes have faced backlash in the past for participating in events alongside Israelis.
Tennis star Ons Jabeur received death threats after playing against an Israeli opponent last year.
Tunisian singer Emel Mathlouthi received intense criticism recently for scheduling a concert in Jaffa city.
Since the Israeli military began the heavy bombardment of Gaza and the deaths of more than 8,000 people, thousands of Tunisians have rallied in the street demanding their government criminalise any form of normalisation of relations with Israel.
Demands have also included the expulsion of the French and American ambassadors for perceived complicity in the recent attacks on Gaza.
MATCH INFO
Delhi Daredevils 174-4 (20 ovs)
Mumbai Indians 163 (19.3 ovs)
Delhi won the match by 11 runs
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
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The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
What is the definition of an SME?
SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.
A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors.
How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
England 19 (Try: Tuilagi; Cons: Farrell; Pens: Ford (4)
New Zealand 7 (Try: Savea; Con: Mo'unga)
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A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
Match info
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Liverpool v Porto, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
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The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.
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TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY
Centre Court
Starting at 2pm:
Elina Svitolina (UKR) [3] v Jennifer Brady (USA)
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) v Belinda Bencic (SUI [4]
Not before 7pm:
Sofia Kenin (USA) [5] v Elena Rybakina (KAZ)
Maria Sakkari (GRE) v Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) [7]
Court One
Starting at midday:
Karolina Muchova (CZE) v Katerina Siniakova (CZE)
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR)
Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) v Dayana Yastermska (UKR)
Petra Martic (CRO) [8] v Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)
Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v Anett Kontaveit (EST)
