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Morocco’s Active Role in Addressing the Gaza Conflict

Following an attack orchestrated by Hamas against Israel and In response to Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza, King Mohammed VI of Morocco urgently convened a meeting of the Arab League Council, calling upon the foreign ministers of Arab nations to attend.

Morocco’s involvement is notable as it traditionally is not seen as a frontline state in conflicts involving Israel, Gaza, and the Palestinian Territories. The Kingdom has long held the belief that the Palestinian issue is central to fostering Arab unity and Islamic solidarity. This stance is not driven by self-interest but by a genuine concern for the well-being of the Palestinian people, showcasing Morocco’s altruistic approach to the conflict.

King Mohammed VI not only voiced strong support for the Palestinians but also guided Arab foreign ministers to actively seek ways to de-escalate the situation in Gaza. This included addressing the worsening conditions and the military actions against civilians. The Moroccan Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing deep concern over the escalation of military operations in Gaza and called for an immediate halt to violence and a return to de-escalation.

Israel-Morocco
Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat (2nd-L) and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner (3rd-L) meet with Moroccan King Mohammed VI (C) at the royal palace in Rabat, Morocco, December 22, 2020. (Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)

Morocco has been critical of the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, for failing to intervene effectively to stop Israel’s military actions against Palestinians in Gaza. The Kingdom emphasized the need for a ceasefire resolution in Gaza, reflecting its commitment to international peace and security.

Demonstrating this commitment, Morocco actively participated in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. King Mohammed VI personally oversaw the dispatch of 25 tons of food and medicine, transported to Gaza via two Moroccan military planes. This act underscored Morocco’s dedication to providing immediate relief to the affected population.

Beyond its immediate response, Morocco’s involvement reflects a strategic vision towards international relations, particularly in the context of the Middle East. The Kingdom recognizes the global impact of conflicts in this region, especially in terms of stability and energy supply. Morocco strongly advocates for a peaceful solution in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meeting with Moroccan King Mohammed VI
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meeting with Moroccan King Mohammed VI in Marrakesh, January 2014

King Mohammed VI’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting goals beneficial to the Palestinians. These include international recognition of Palestinian statehood, stopping Israeli military aggression against civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israeli Arabs, and advocating for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Historically, Morocco has consistently defended Palestinian rights. This legacy dates back to the late King Hassan II, who chaired the Al Quds (Jerusalem) Committee, focusing on the preservation of Jerusalem as an Arabic and Islamic heritage. King Mohammed VI has continued this tradition, working tirelessly to protect the Arab and Islamic legacy of Jerusalem and its Palestinian community.

Morocco also recognizes that a military solution to Israel’s conflict in Gaza is unviable. It views the options faced by Israel – continuing Gaza’s encirclement or invading it – as flawed. Moroccan diplomacy remains hopeful for a resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, contingent on honest pursuit by the United States and a balanced approach to negotiations, rather than one solely based on Israeli offerings.

The Kingdom understands the complexities of achieving peace in the region and stresses the need for a genuine peace process. It acknowledges the strategic importance of resolving the conflict and the adverse consequences of failing to do so. Moroccan foreign policy, as described by Al Baraq Shady Abdel Al Salam, is characterized by inventiveness and the ability to create new concepts, aiming to facilitate a reconciliation process that includes all parties involved in the Arab-Israeli conflict.

In conclusion, the article portrays Morocco as a nation deeply involved in the quest for peace in the Middle East. Its approach to the Gaza conflict demonstrates a commitment to diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and a strategic understanding of the region’s geopolitical landscape. Morocco’s efforts underline the importance of acknowledging the rights and needs of all parties involved to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.

More By Bill Mikhail

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Newslooks.com

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