Sourced fact
The News
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations erupted in several Moroccan cities on September 27, with protesters calling for an end to Morocco's rapprochement with Israel and support for the Palestinian cause. Demonstrations took place in Casablanca, Rabat, and other cities, reflecting a significant public opposition to the government's growing ties with Israel.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, these demonstrations reflect the tension between official policy and public opinion in Morocco. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel in December 2020, public rejection of normalization has remained strong. According to Kathia C. Berard, director of programs at the Arab Research Center, normalization is deepening as people protest against Israeli aggression in Gaza.
In a broader context, the Western Sahara issue plays a crucial role in Morocco's foreign policy. In October, the UN Security Council will discuss the status of the UN mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO). Morocco views its relations with Israel as part of a larger strategy that includes relations with the United States and support for its position in the Western Sahara.
It is worth noting that the recent Moroccan parliamentary elections have shown political changes that could impact the government's stance on normalization. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) won 54 seats in the election, the party in power when relations with Israel were resumed in 2020. Following the election, the party reaffirmed its opposition to normalization.
