Tunisia: Interior minister calls synagogue attack premeditated

Tunisia’s Interior Minister, Kamel Fekih, called the recent synagogue attack a premeditated one.

He confirmed that the gunman responsible for the attack at the Al Ghriba synagogue in Djerba, which killed five people and injured a dozen others, had intentionally targeted the ancient Jewish temple in a premeditated act.

The minister pledged to spare no effort to ensure the stability of the country and protect foreigners in the wake of the attack. The authorities have revealed the gunman’s name as Wissam Khazri, but gave no explanation for the attacker’s motive.

The French anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the killing, as a French citizen was among the victims.

President Kais Saied has urged the country to remain vigilant, despite the attack. He suggested that the aim of those responsible was to “sow the seeds of strife and hit the touristic season” as the country is already facing political and economic crises.

The Al Ghriba synagogue is a popular pilgrimage site that attracted over 6,000 pilgrims from across the world this year, including the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

The attack is a significant blow to Tunisia’s once-thriving tourism industry and its Jewish community. Four other members of Tunisia’s security forces, who were injured in the attack, remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition.