Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s recent comments about a possible military intervention in Gaza have ignited a wave of mockery and criticism on social media.
Speaking at a rally in Constantine on Sunday, Tebboune suggested that Algeria’s army could swiftly enter Gaza to build hospitals and provide medical aid if Egypt opened its borders.
“I swear, if they help us and open the borders between Egypt and Gaza, we’ll be all set,” Tebboune said, adding that the army was ready to construct three hospitals in 20 days and send hundreds of doctors to assist with rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
Tebboune’s remarks, made during his campaign for the September 7 election, were widely criticized online as populist. Social media users expressed frustration, with one commenting, “I felt proud initially, picturing myself as a warrior. But then I felt like a builder, not a fighter!”
Another user criticized Tebboune for focusing on international issues while ignoring domestic problems, citing ongoing delays in completing the Elabadla Hospital in Béchar, which has been under construction since 2008.
The timing of Tebboune’s statements raises questions amid ongoing restrictions on protests in Algeria in support of Palestine. Walid Kabir, an Algerian opposition journalist, suggested that Tebboune’s comments were a strategic attempt to gain favor with voters.
He warned that the remarks could strain relations between Algeria and Egypt by implicitly accusing Cairo of obstructing aid to Gaza. Kabir argued that there are alternative routes for delivering aid, such as maritime options, and criticized the Algerian regime for exploiting the Palestinian cause for political gain.
He also pointed out that other countries, like Kuwait, have successfully sent aid to Gaza despite having no diplomatic ties with Israel, highlighting Algeria’s lack of similar actions.
