On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators demanding an end to Morocco’s ties with Israel organised one of the biggest pro-Palestinian marches in Rabat since the start of the Gaza conflict.
Since the war started over two months ago, hundreds of Moroccans have regularly participated in protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, which are primarily organised by Islamist and pan-Arab organisations.
Leftist organisations and the banned but accepted Adl wal Ihsan Islamists together planned Sunday’s march.
Most of the 10,000 protesters appeared to be Islamists with men marching separately from women, waving Palestinian flags and holding placards reading “resistance till victory,” “stop Moroccan government normalisation with Israel” and “free Palestine.”
In 2020, Morocco solidified its ties with Israel through a diplomatic agreement brokered by the U.S. administration led by then-President Donald Trump. As part of the deal, the United States officially recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
Protesters participating in Sunday’s march in Rabat expressed their opposition to these strengthened ties with Israel and also called for a boycott of brands they believed were supportive of Israel.
The backdrop of these developments includes Israel’s strong response to an incident on October 7, where Hamas militants breached the border fence, initiating violence in Israeli towns. Israel declared its commitment to neutralise Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007. The ensuing conflict resulted in significant casualties and hostage situations.
Despite Morocco’s efforts to normalise relations with Israel, the country’s authorities have consistently advocated for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Furthermore, they have called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the protection of civilians in the region.
Although the formal establishment of full embassies between Morocco and Israel is still in progress, the two nations have drawn closer. This was evident in the signing of a defence cooperation pact, showcasing an evolving relationship amid complex regional dynamics.
