Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat — The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) praised Morocco’s diplomatic efforts that led to the release of two Moroccan citizens, Aziz Ghali and Abdeladim Ben Draoui, detained by Israeli authorities. The two were arrested after participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission to Gaza.
According to official sources, Morocco’s liaison office in Tel Aviv intervened promptly to ensure their release, closely monitoring the case in coordination with Israeli authorities. Both citizens are expected to be deported to Turkiye on Friday, once administrative and diplomatic procedures are finalized through official channels.
The CNDH expressed its appreciation for the swift and coordinated actions taken by Moroccan diplomacy, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of its citizens abroad. The council also commended the “constructive cooperation” between Moroccan and Israeli authorities in resolving the situation.
CNDH President Amina Bouayach personally followed the case in coordination with an international organization, national partners, and foreign actors to guarantee the two citizens’ rights and secure their swift release.
In an earlier statement, the council, along with other members of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, had called for the immediate release of all detainees who participated in the humanitarian flotilla, urging the protection of their safety and return to their respective countries. The council also condemned the attack on the flotilla, describing it as a violation of humanitarian principles.
Since the moment of their arrest, Moroccan authorities—through the liaison office in Tel Aviv—have reportedly worked intensively to verify the circumstances of the detention and ensure that the citizens’ legal and human rights were respected. The office handled the matter within its diplomatic and consular mandate, confirming that the two Moroccans were part of a civil delegation aiming to express humanitarian solidarity, and were not involved in any military or intelligence activity in Gaza.
A Moroccan diplomatic source familiar with the case told Morocco World News (MWN) that Morocco’s protection of its citizens abroad “is never conducted under pressure or blackmail,” but rather “in full respect of national sovereignty and international law.
The source added that while Morocco guarantees consular protection for all its citizens, such efforts require “respect for the laws of host countries and constructive cooperation with Moroccan diplomatic missions.”
The case reflects Morocco’s proactive and principled approach in defending its nationals abroad while maintaining diplomatic balance and adherence to international norms.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, part of a long-running international campaign to break the 17-year blockade imposed on Gaza, was intercepted by the Israeli navy late September. Human rights organizations have strongly condemned Israel’s attacks and illegal seizures as blatant violations of international maritime law.
