Moroccan diplomacy: Bridging differences through dialogue

Thousands of Moroccans took to the streets again on Sunday in Casablanca, rallying in support of the Palestinian people and protesting against the normalization of their country's relations with Israel.

Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Freedom for Palestine," "If we remain silent, who will speak?" and "No to normalization," while many wore keffiyehs or waved Palestinian flags. They marched through the main avenues of downtown Casablanca at the call of the Moroccan Front for Support of Palestine and Against Normalization, which includes leftist parties and Islamist movements.

Morocco and Israel normalized diplomatic relations in December 2020, in a deal that saw the United States recognize Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. This agreement marked a significant geopolitical shift and was part of broader U.S.-brokered normalization accords between Israel and several Arab nations.

Since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, large-scale protests have erupted across Morocco, demanding an end to the normalization process. Previously, opposition to this diplomatic shift was relatively limited, but the intensity of the recent conflict has mobilized greater public dissent.

Despite the public outcry, Morocco has officially condemned "flagrant violations of international and humanitarian law" by Israel in its reprisals against Hamas, while carefully maintaining the normalization process. This stance highlights the kingdom's cautious diplomatic approach, seeking to balance domestic public opinion with its international commitments.

Morocco aims to play a constructive role in mediating the conflict, leveraging its historic ties with both the Palestinian and Israeli communities. By denouncing actions that violate international norms, yet not fully retracting from the normalization agreement, Morocco positions itself as a potential mediator capable of fostering dialogue between the conflicting parties.