Tens of thousands of Moroccans took to the streets on Sunday, united in a passionate protest against Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza. As tensions escalate in the region, demonstrators also voiced their anger at U.S. President Donald Trump and the Moroccan government, shedding light on the broader political undercurrents that are shaping the protest movement.
This is one of the largest demonstrations seen in Morocco in months, illustrating the growing dissatisfaction with both local and international leadership in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Here’s a deep dive into why these protests have gained such momentum and what’s driving the political unrest across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Israel’s Gaza Offensive Sparks Global Protests
The backdrop to Morocco’s protests is Israel’s ongoing air and ground strikes in Gaza. Since the escalation began in October 2023, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, and the region remains in a state of chaos. Israel’s military operation is part of an effort to pressure Hamas to release hostages, a move that has sparked anger and condemnation from many international groups, especially across the Arab world.
The protests in Morocco are not isolated; similar rallies are being staged across the MENA region. Demonstrators in Tunisia and Yemen have also expressed their solidarity with the Palestinians, calling for an end to the violence and highlighting the disproportionate toll the war has had on civilians.
Morocco’s Grievances: Israel, Trump, and the Local Government
While the anger in Morocco is largely focused on Israel’s offensive, the protesters also directed their ire at Donald Trump and the Moroccan government’s stance on the conflict. For many in Morocco, the 2020 decision to normalise relations with Israel under the Trump administration remains a deeply controversial issue.
During the protests, demonstrators were seen stepping on Israeli flags, holding banners showing slain Hamas leaders, and waving posters that juxtaposed Trump with images of Palestinians fleeing their homes. The symbolism of these actions is clear: protesters are condemning not only Israel’s military actions but also what they see as complicity from the United States, particularly under the leadership of Trump.
Trump’s influence has been a point of contention in the region, especially with his controversial proposals that have intensified the conflict, such as suggesting the forced displacement of millions of Palestinians to make way for the redevelopment of Gaza. His stance on Palestine, along with his support for Israeli actions, has led to a significant anti-Trump sentiment across several MENA countries.
The Role of Morocco’s Government in the Protests
Protesters in Morocco are not just frustrated with Israel and the United States; they are also disillusioned with their own government’s actions. The Moroccan monarchy has faced criticism for its decision to normalise relations with Israel, a move that has caused significant division within the country.
Many protesters, like Mohammed Toussi from Casablanca, argue that while the U.S. policies under Trump have made the situation worse, Joe Biden’s administration has not done enough to change the course of the conflict. In fact, many Moroccans believe that both U.S. presidents have pursued similar policies, continuing to support Israel’s military actions and failing to adequately address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Abdelhak El Arabi, a former adviser to Morocco’s Islamist prime minister, stated that the protests in Morocco reflect growing frustration with the government’s foreign policy. “It’s not a war, Gaza is getting erased from the earth,” he remarked, capturing the sense of urgency and despair felt by many of the demonstrators.
Diverse Groups Unite in Morocco’s Anti-Israel Protests
The protests in Morocco have brought together a diverse range of groups, including religious organisations like the Islamist association al Adl Wal Ihsan. While Moroccan authorities generally tolerate most protests, the country has seen a crackdown on activists who have targeted foreign embassies or expressed criticism of the monarchy.
The protests reflect the deep-rooted solidarity with the Palestinian cause, which has long been a source of national pride in Morocco. For many, the continued violence in Gaza is not just an international issue but one that strikes at the heart of the region’s collective identity.
The Broader Impact of the Gaza Conflict on the MENA Region
Morocco’s protests are part of a wider wave of dissent sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa. Governments in countries with historical ties to the U.S., like Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, are also facing internal pressure as their citizens increasingly question their foreign policies regarding Palestine. Anti-U.S. sentiments have been growing in these regions, with Trump’s policies serving as a flashpoint for wider dissatisfaction.
Protesters in Morocco and elsewhere have also condemned efforts by the U.S. government to target pro-Palestinian activists, including measures to curtail free speech and expression in support of Palestinian rights. The anger at the Trump administration is palpable in Morocco, where the normalisation agreement with Israel remains a controversial topic of discussion and debate.
What Lies Ahead for Morocco and the MENA Region?
The protests in Morocco, though focused on the Israel-Gaza conflict, are also a reflection of broader regional dynamics. While the country’s government is unlikely to reverse its stance on the normalisation deal with Israel, it will need to carefully manage the growing public unrest. The protests show a population increasingly disillusioned with its leaders and with global powers that are seen as complicit in the suffering of Palestinians.
As the conflict in Gaza continues to devastate lives and territories, it’s clear that these protests won’t fade away soon. Moroccans, like many in the MENA region, are determined to have their voices heard. With tensions continuing to rise, it remains to be seen how governments in the region will balance international alliances with the growing demands for justice and solidarity with Palestinians.
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Photo credit: The Associated Press
