Rabat – Moroccan ambassador to the US Youssef Amrani has acknowledged the impacts of Israeli aggressions on civilians in Gaza, affecting ties between Arab countries and Israel.
Amrani made his remarks on Wednesday when he spoke to a correspondent for Al-Hurra.
“Unfortunately, the war in Gaza and the dire situation in the Middle East led to the freezing of cooperation,” between Arab countries and Israel, he said.
Morocco is among the Arab countries that signed the US-brokered Abraham Accord to re-establish ties with Israel in December 2020.
Morocco signed the tripartite declaration with Israel and the US in December 2020, re-establishing ties between Rabat and Tel Aviv.
The decision stirred backlash among Moroccans who staunchly support the Palestinian cause, sparking increased pressure and demands on the government to cut these ties with Israel.
Now, ever since the start of Israel’s 15-month genocide on Gaza, these calls to cut ties with Tel Aviv have only increased and have seen Moroccans protesting in the streets ever since October 7.
Despite the temporary ceasefire that was declared and its ongoing status, the situation remains critical and only exacerbated by recent controversial remarks made by both Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
Just a week ago, Trump said that he plans to “take over” and “own” Gaza.
“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the US by Israel at the conclusion of fighting [between Israel and Hamas]”, he said, noting that “no soldiers by the US would be needed!”
Since his initial remarks, his spokespeople have tried to vaguely elaborate on the implementation of this plan, but the media and international actors remain in disarray as to what it actually means for Palestinians.
Observers and analysts have warned that Trump’s words are dangerous and threaten ethnic cleansing of Gazans.
Amrani said the tense situation needs a political dialogue and building bridges of cooperation “for the sake of security and fundamental stability in the region.”
“Enough of wars and tensions,” Amrani added, noting that Rabat’s approach is to connect bridges between people and countries instead of wars and crises.
“We want the Middle East to live in peace and prosperity and experience economic flourishing,” he continued.
Beyond citizens’ support, Morocco’s government has been constantly renewing support for the Palestinian cause.
Last week, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita renewed the country’s support for a two-state solution, with the creation of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting peacefully with Israel.
“Morocco always supports and stands by the Palestinian position, as the Palestinians are the first concerned by this cause,” Bourita said.
