Demonstration in Rabat Calls for Breaking Ties with Israel on Third Anniversary of Gaza War

In the evening of Wednesday, hundreds of people gathered in Rabat, Morocco, to demonstrate in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The protest took place at the headquarters of the Moroccan Parliament, marking the third anniversary of the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip. Demonstrators called for the termination of diplomatic relations with Israel and the revocation of a recent agreement aimed at elevating the level of diplomatic representation between the two nations.

According to France Press, the demonstrators raised Palestinian flags and chanted slogans such as “Palestine lived, the resistance lived.” They carried signs reading “Neither to normalize nor to exchange ambassadors” and “No ambassador to the embassy.” These messages reflected a strong opposition to the normalization agreement Morocco signed with Israel in late 2020, which was part of a broader tripartite agreement involving the United States and the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a territory disputed with the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria.

The demonstration followed Israel’s announcement in mid-September of an agreement with Morocco to upgrade their diplomatic ties from a liaison office to an embassy level. This move came after a meeting of the foreign ministers of both countries in New York, under American auspices. The agreement has drawn criticism from anti-normalization groups in Morocco, who have been holding regular protests since the outbreak of the Gaza war, though some demonstrations have been suppressed by authorities.

Morocco has officially called for an end to the war in Gaza but has not reconsidered its relations with Israel or the normalization agreement. The country’s stance reflects a complex balance between its diplomatic commitments and the growing public sentiment against normalization. The protest in Rabat underscores the ongoing tension between these positions.

Abdul Hafiz Al-Sariti, coordinator of the Action Group for Palestine, spoke at the end of the demonstration, urging continued resistance until Palestine is liberated. He called for the release of prisoners and the healing of the wounded, emphasizing the need for sustained action. The demonstration was organized by groups such as the Action Group for Palestine and the Front Marocain pour l’Appui au Palestine, which include Muslim and mainstream anti-radicalization bodies.

Other events are planned in Morocco between 7 and 11 October to commemorate the third anniversary of the Gaza war. These gatherings will likely continue to highlight the country’s internal debate over its relationship with Israel and the broader implications of normalization. The demonstrations reflect a deepening divide within Moroccan society, shaped by political, religious, and humanitarian considerations.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)