Massive Rabat Protest Condemns Israeli Actions and Demands Diplomatic Severance

Monday 05 August 2024 - 11:00

Thousands of Moroccans rally in the capital, calling for an end to ties with Israel after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and ongoing Gaza conflict.

In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands of Moroccans gathered in Rabat on Saturday morning to protest against the recent Israeli assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent Palestinian figure, and to denounce Israel's prolonged military operations in Gaza.

Adorned in Palestinian Keffiyehs, the protestors marched from the Medina to the parliament, vociferously chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and urging the Moroccan government to sever diplomatic ties with Israel. The demonstrators' voices reverberated with calls for justice and resistance, as they proclaimed, “Haniyeh’s stance remains unyielding; even if the world bows, we’ll never recognize Israel.”

Holding aloft Palestinian flags and banners bearing Haniyeh’s image, the crowd expressed their outrage over both the assassination and the broader aggressions in Gaza. They paid tribute to the lives lost in the struggle, chanting “Glory to the martyrs.”

The health ministry in Gaza reported that the ongoing conflict, now in its 11th month, has resulted in the deaths of at least 39,550 Palestinians and injuries to 91,280 others. The protesters in Rabat voiced unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, asserting, “Whether today or tomorrow, freedom is a must.”

A significant political demand emerged from the protest: the call for the Moroccan government to cut diplomatic relations with Israel in response to both the continuous aggression and the assassination of Haniyeh. The protesters' fervor reflected a deep-seated commitment to Palestinian solidarity.

Ismail Haniyeh was targeted in an Israeli attack in Tehran earlier this week while attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian. The attack also claimed the life of Haniyeh’s bodyguard.

Born in Gaza City in 1963, Haniyeh was a key figure in Palestinian politics, serving as the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority from 2006 to 2007 before Hamas took control of Gaza. He played a critical role in Hamas's political and military activities and was deeply involved in ceasefire negotiations with Israel. His assassination has been condemned by mediators like Qatar, who argue it undermines peace efforts. “Israel’s reckless behavior and the assassination of a key negotiator make the continuation of mediation efforts seem futile,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry stated.

The Rabat protest is part of a broader wave of demonstrations across the Arab and Muslim world, condemning Israeli actions and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people. As the conflict continues, the voices calling for peace and justice grow louder, resonating from Rabat to Gaza and beyond.