The Global Sumud Flotilla has faced intense backlash in Morocco following the brief airing of a documentary that aligned with the views of the Polisario Front regarding the Sahara region. The documentary, which was part of the platform's One Struggle series, depicted Morocco as exerting control over the territory with the support of influential global powers. Despite the video being subsequently removed in response to the criticism, various Moroccan political parties and civil society organizations have deemed this action inadequate, and they are now calling for an official apology.
Prominent among the critics is academic Issam Rejwani, who voiced strong accusations against the organization for undermining Morocco’s territorial integrity and for what he termed the 'falsification of history.' He drew parallels between this incident and what he characterized as Israeli propaganda that aims to distort the narrative surrounding the Palestinian cause. Rejwani's remarks included a stern warning that a failure to issue a public apology might lead to a boycott of the flotilla's initiatives.
The opposition Justice and Development Party (PJD) was also quick to condemn the documentary, labeling it a 'serious mistake and dangerous deviation' from the humanitarian mission that the flotilla purportedly supports in Gaza. In their official statement, the party asserted that the video propagated 'grave falsehoods' regarding the Sahara, which could potentially undermine public backing for the flotilla's efforts. They emphasized that this incident does not alter the established historical and legal framework that underpins Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over its southern provinces, referencing U.N. Security Council resolutions and the stances of various countries.
Similarly, the Moroccan Initiative for Support and Advocacy, a civil society organization committed to supporting the Palestinian cause, issued a denunciation of the documentary, describing it as a troubling departure from the humanitarian objectives of the flotilla. This group has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the documentary's release, arguing that it insulted Moroccans, many of whom have shown solidarity with Gaza through participation in aid convoys over the years.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
