Tens of thousands of Moroccans marched through the streets of Rabat on Sunday to protest against Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and the United States’ support of the conflict. This mass protest is one of the largest Morocco has seen in recent months.
The protesters filled large sections of the capital, waving Palestinian flags, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, and holding signs that criticized both Israeli actions and US foreign policy. Some trampled on Israeli flags, while others carried posters of Palestinian victims and political leaders.
Protesters Call for End to Gaza Assault
The protests were a reaction to recent escalations in Gaza. Last month, a ceasefire was broken by renewed airstrikes and ground operations by Israel. According to health officials in Gaza, more than 1,000 people were killed in the latest wave of attacks. Since the war began 18 months ago, over 50,700 Palestinians have died, and 115,300 others have been injured.
Organizers of the march said the protest aimed to show solidarity with Palestinians and reject what they called a campaign of ethnic cleansing.
US Role Under Scrutiny
Many demonstrators expressed anger toward the United States, which they accused of fueling the war. Former President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians for Gaza’s redevelopment sparked widespread outrage. Critics called the idea a form of forced displacement. Human rights groups labeled it “ethnic cleansing.”
“[Trump] has made the war worse,” said Mohammed Toussi, a protester who traveled from Casablanca with his family. “Biden hid some things, but Trump has shown it all. Their policies sound different, but the result is the same.”
The demonstrators also condemned the US government’s crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses, especially after several student-led protests in the US were disrupted or disbanded by law enforcement.
Regional Solidarity
Sunday’s protest in Morocco was not an isolated event. Similar rallies took place in Tunisia, Yemen, and Casablanca, Morocco’s economic hub. In all cases, the crowds showed support for the Palestinian cause and condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Many participants held photos of destroyed neighborhoods, injured children, and families forced to flee their homes.
“This is not a war,” said Abdelhak El Arabi, an adviser to a former Moroccan prime minister. “Gaza is being wiped off the map.”
Anger Over Normalisation With Israel
Another issue fueling the protests was Morocco’s 2020 decision to normalise ties with Israel. That move, part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords, allowed Morocco to reestablish diplomatic relations with Israel in exchange for US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Though the agreement was seen as a diplomatic win at the time, it remains highly unpopular with many Moroccans.
Several protest groups, including Islamic, leftist, and nationalist movements, participated in Sunday’s rally. Many speakers demanded that Morocco cut all ties with Israel and return to full support of the Palestinian cause.
A Government Balancing Act
The Moroccan government has tolerated most demonstrations related to Gaza but has arrested a few activists who were accused of targeting embassies or speaking against the monarchy. Still, the authorities appear to be walking a tightrope—allowing public expression while maintaining ties with key international partners.
Despite the government’s diplomatic stance, public support for Palestine remains strong. Many Moroccans view the conflict as a humanitarian crisis and a moral issue that goes beyond politics.
What’s Next?
As the war in Gaza continues with no clear end in sight, protests like the one in Rabat may become more frequent. Public pressure on Arab governments is growing, especially as civilian casualties mount and displacement continues.
Morocco, like many Arab nations, is caught between global alliances and regional public opinion. With tensions rising and no resolution in sight, the demand for peace and justice for Palestinians remains loud and clear across the region.
