Moroccans hold pro-Palestine rally on anniversary of normalization

The demonstrations were held on Monday in several Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Tangier, Tetouan, Meknes, and Khouribga, according to organizers including non-governmental groups, notably the Moroccan Organization for Supporting Ummah Causes and the Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine.

In Rabat, protesters gathered outside the parliament building, chanting slogans and holding banners that read “Freedom for Palestine,” “Stop all forms of normalization,” and “End the genocide and starvation.” Palestinian flags were waved, and speakers denounced Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as a genocide targeting civilians.

The rallies were peaceful and framed as solidarity actions aimed at keeping public attention focused on what protesters described as mass violations of international humanitarian law.

In statements released to mark the fifth anniversary, the organization reiterated its rejection of all forms of cooperation with Israel, describing the situation in Gaza as a genocide against the Palestinian people.

The group has consistently argued that normalization contradicts popular sentiment in Morocco, particularly in light of the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza. In earlier statements issued in September 2020, the organization called on Moroccans and civic actors to express opposition through peaceful protests and public advocacy.

The Moroccan Organization for Supporting Ummah Causes has been one of the most vocal opponents of normalization with Israel since its announcement in 2020.

The anniversary comes as the Israeli aggression in Gaza continues to claim more lives. According to Gaza health officials, more than 71,266 people were killed and over 171,200 others were injured in the Israeli atrocities in Gaza since October 2023.