Rabat Rallies: A Nation's Outcry Over Gaza Violence
Since October 7, Morocco has been a focal point for large-scale demonstrations, denouncing the relentless campaign by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Rabat's Defiant Stand
In a powerful display of solidarity, Rabat's streets filled with protesters today, all condemning the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent Hamas figure, and the continued massacres in Gaza. The demonstrators, unified in their cause, bore banners with strong messages, including calls to sever diplomatic ties with Israel amidst the ongoing violence.
Women adorned in keffiyehs prominently displayed signs decrying the brutal attacks on women and children, while others brandished Palestinian flags and images of Haniyeh. Slogans reverberated through the air, denouncing the assassination, which was confirmed by the Palestinian resistance group earlier in the day.
Voices of Protest
Mohamed Hamdaoui, head of external relations for the Al Adl Wal Ihsane movement, spoke during the protest. He mourned Haniyeh's death, labeling the assassination a "heinous and cowardly crime." Hamdaoui asserted that this killing signifies the Israeli occupation forces' failure on the battlefield. He emphasized that the protest represents "Morocco’s voice, raised in Rabat and many cities across the country, condemning the abhorrent and cowardly crime" executed by the Israeli forces.
Hamas announced Haniyeh’s death following a raid during his visit to Iran, where he was present for the swearing-in of Iran’s newly elected president. The raid also claimed the life of his bodyguard.
A Nation United
Since the onset of the conflict, Morocco has seen widespread protests condemning the Israeli forces' aggressive campaign in Gaza. Demonstrators have called on the government to sever ties with Israel, reiterating Morocco’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
Despite re-establishing relations with Israel in December 2020, Morocco’s government has maintained a steadfast stance on the Palestinian issue. King Mohammed VI reaffirmed this position in his recent Throne Day speech, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and emphasizing political dialogue as the sole resolution.
The King underscored that stability in the region hinges on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. “If putting an end to the war in Gaza is an urgent priority, then this must be achieved concurrently with opening up political prospects conducive to a just and lasting peace in the region,” the monarch declared.
As Rabat and other cities across Morocco echo with calls for justice and peace, the nation’s stance remains clear and resolute. The voices of the protesters, alongside the King’s diplomatic appeals, encapsulate Morocco’s enduring commitment to the Palestinian cause and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.