Society

Mass protest in Morocco over “Unbearable” situation in Gaza

Sunday 20 July 2025 - 15:00

Tens of thousands of Moroccans marched through the streets of Rabat on Sunday to denounce the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and express opposition to Morocco’s normalization of ties with Israel.

Waving Palestinian flags and holding placards that read “Lift the blockade,” “Gaza under fire is a disgrace,” and “No to normalization,” demonstrators filled one of the capital’s main avenues in a show of solidarity with the people of Gaza. The protest was organized by a broad coalition that included the Islamist movement Al Adl Wal Ihssane and several left-wing political parties.

The protest comes amid growing frustration over the devastating impact of the conflict in Gaza, where more than 21 months of Israeli siege and military operations have left nearly two million Palestinians on the brink of famine. The war began after a Hamas-led attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023.

“Palestinians are starving and dying while the world watches in silence,” said protester Jamal Behar. “It’s our duty to speak up.”

Hibattallah Rifqat, a young demonstrator, described the situation as “ethnic cleansing.” “Being here today is my way of amplifying the voice of the Palestinian people,” she added.

While the Moroccan government has officially called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, it has not reversed the normalization deal with Israel, signed in late 2020. That has fueled anger among many in the country.

“Denouncing the tragedy in Gaza is the least we can do,” said Hasna Ouazzani, another protester. “But beyond that, we oppose any form of normalization with Israel.”

This protest follows several large-scale demonstrations across Morocco since the start of the war in Gaza, reflecting broad public support for the Palestinian cause and growing dissatisfaction with government policy.