imposantes manifestations à Tanger et Casablanca contre l’accostage de navires d’armes à destination de l’entité sioniste
Mass Protests in Morocco Against Military Shipments to Israel
On Sunday, significant protests unfolded in Morocco, with thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets in cities like Tanger and Casablanca. The protests were sparked by the arrival of a Maersk ship reportedly carrying military aircraft parts en route to Israel. Local media reported that demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the ship’s docking at Moroccan ports, chanting slogans such as "The people want the ship banned" and "No genocidal weapons in Moroccan waters."
The protests were part of a wider movement opposing Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel, a deal signed in late 2020. Protesters called for an end to this normalization, insisting that Morocco should not facilitate the delivery of arms to Israel, which they accuse of committing atrocities against the Palestinian people.
According to reports from Palestinian support organizations and Moroccan dockworker unions, the controversial ship was scheduled to arrive at Casablanca’s port on April 18, prompting demonstrations not only there but also in Tanger earlier that week. These protests followed similar gatherings across the nation, where citizens condemned what they viewed as a betrayal by the Moroccan government regarding the Palestinian cause.
Various trade unions, including the Union of Port Workers and the National Union of Labor in Morocco, encouraged dockworkers to refuse handling cargo related to Israeli military shipments. The message was clear: significant sections of Moroccan society reject any involvement in activities that they perceive as supporting the ongoing violence against Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where the population suffers from starvation and ongoing bombardment.
Protesters characterized the situation as a "moral and political crime," emphasizing that facilitating military supplies to Israel constitutes direct support for genocide. They challenged the Moroccan government, known as the Makhzen, for its perceived subservience to foreign powers at the expense of Moroccan and Palestinian interests.
As the protests unfolded, demonstrators gathered across major Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Marrakech, and Fès, drawing attention to the widespread discontent with the government’s policies. The protests demonstrated a significant public sentiment against the normalization agreement with Israel, suggesting that many Moroccans believe it undermines their national and ethical obligations to support Palestine.
In summary, the protests in Morocco represent a robust expression of solidarity with the Palestinian cause and serve as a rejection of the country’s normalization with Israel. As demonstrated by the outpouring of support from various sectors, including labor unions, the issue resonates deeply within Moroccan society, raising questions about the government’s commitment to human rights and international solidarity.
