Morocco's Planned Protests Against Diplomatic Relations with Israel
From September 25 to 27, Morocco is set to witness three days of national mobilization against the deepening of diplomatic relations with Israel. This call for protest comes in the wake of a recent agreement reached in New York to upgrade the diplomatic representations between Morocco and Israel to the status of embassies. The Moroccan Front for Support of Palestine and Against Normalization has called for demonstrations across the country, aiming to express opposition to the decision made by Rabat and Tel Aviv to enhance their diplomatic and economic ties, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
In a flyer circulated on Saturday, the movement demands a halt to normalization and voices its disapproval of the establishment of an Israeli embassy in Morocco. The organization encourages political parties, trade unions, human rights associations, and various organizations to join in the mobilization efforts. This call for action comes just four days after a meeting in New York that included Nasser Bourita, Morocco's foreign minister, his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz.
The intentions of Morocco and Israel to mutually open embassies were initially announced back in December 2020. However, up until now, both nations have only operated liaison offices, despite their initial diplomatic commitment. In a joint statement released on September 16, the three nations confirmed their agreement to elevate the Moroccan and Israeli diplomatic missions to embassies and to exchange ambassadors.
Future Agreements and Economic Cooperation
In addition to the diplomatic upgrades, Rabat and Tel Aviv have committed to implementing necessary measures for the swift resumption of direct flights operated by Moroccan and Israeli airlines before the year's end. Furthermore, two key agreements are expected to be finalized by December 31. The first will focus on investment protection, while the second aims to prevent double taxation. Cooperation between the two nations is also set to be bolstered in various sectors, including trade, finance, tourism, technology, agriculture, water resources, energy, telecommunications, and security, as outlined in their tripartite declaration.
The Moroccan Front has condemned this new phase of normalization, especially given the ongoing tense situation in the Palestinian territories. They firmly oppose the idea that embassies, agreements, and economic exchanges should serve to normalize relations with Israel. The upcoming mobilization coincides with the United Nations General Assembly, and according to the Jerusalem Post, further meetings between Moroccan and Israeli officials may take place in New York during this period. While Rabat and Tel Aviv are keen to fully implement the commitments made back in December 2020, their opponents are striving to bring the Palestinian issue back to the forefront of Moroccan discourse.
As reported by bladi.net.
