On Wednesday, Morocco and Israel decided to upgrade bilateral ties and agreed to appoint ambassadors, with Rabat viewing the Abraham Accords as a mechanism to “promote peace” and “promote stability in the region.”
Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita reiterated Morocco’s position in a statement to Fox News, where he also acknowledged that Rabat does not “agree with Israel 100%.”
The minister said each country may have its policy, and argued that Morocco’s approach is to use the “Abraham Accords spirit” to promote regional peace.
Bourita’s remarks came amid criticism of Rabat’s decision to strengthen bilateral relations.
A joint statement between Morocco, Israel and the US announced the decision on September 16, with Tel Aviv and Rabat agreeing to establish full embassies and exchange ambassadors.
The agreement also calls for the resumption of direct flights operated by both Israeli and Moroccan airlines before the end of this year.
The agreement also aims to boost investment and avoid double taxation.
Responding to criticism Morocco received following its decision, Bourita said relations with Israel could enable Morocco to help the Palestinians “humanitarianly.”
“Is it better to continue in the rhetoric, political positions, while sitting in our cities, or capitals, or take initiatives?” Bourita asked.
The Moroccan foreign minister emphasized that Rabat’s relations with Israel do not overshadow its position in favor of the Palestinian cause.
He cited Morocco’s efforts to stabilize Gaza, arguing that the situation “needs courage to contribute to peace… And it’s easier to keep on making statements and engaging in rhetoric.”
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz commended Morocco’s humanitarian work and its role in the Gaza efforts, stating: “It is far more than just signing agreements or coming to ceremonies,” emphasizing Morocco and its people are “leaning in, in very meaningful ways for a more peaceful future.”
Morocco re-established relations with Israel in December 2020 as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords. Following the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, Morocco decided to suspend its flights to and from Israel.
Morocco has also repeatedly condemned Israeli attacks, urging calm and calling for dialogue to tackle the situation.
Morocco has also been endorsing the two-state solution, seeing it as the only solution to end the genocide – while emphasizing the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In July, Morocco signed an agreement to participate in the international stabilization force for Gaza, with the goal of contributing to the establishment of peace and security in the region.
