Tens of thousands of Moroccans recently gathered in the capital, Rabat, to protest against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This demonstration was one of the largest in recent months, with protesters expressing their anger not only at Israel but also at the United States for its support of the ongoing conflict.
On a Sunday, crowds filled the streets, stepping on Israeli flags and holding banners in memory of Hamas leaders who have been killed. Many carried posters that connected the suffering of displaced Palestinians with U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting a widespread frustration with U.S. policies in the region.
The organizers of the protest condemned Israel’s military campaign, which has led to the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians and displaced hundreds of thousands since it resumed attacks last month. According to reports, the ongoing conflict has resulted in more than 50,700 Palestinian deaths and over 115,300 injuries since the war began.
Similar protests took place across the Middle East and North Africa, including in Tunisia and Yemen, showing a regional solidarity with the Palestinian cause. In Morocco, the anger towards the U.S. government was particularly pronounced, especially regarding Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians to facilitate the redevelopment of Gaza. Many Arab nations and human rights groups have labeled this plan as ethnic cleansing. Protesters also criticized the U.S. for cracking down on pro-Palestinian activism on university campuses.
Many Moroccans see Trump’s approach as an extension of the previous administration under Joe Biden. One protester, Mohammed Toussi, voiced his belief that Trump has exacerbated the situation, stating that while Biden may have concealed some issues, Trump’s actions are more overt.
Public outrage in Morocco has intensified as the conflict continues. Abdelhak El Arabi, a former advisor to Morocco’s conservative prime minister, described the situation in Gaza as more than just a war; he believes it is a crisis that threatens the very existence of the region.
A diverse coalition of groups participated in the protests. While Moroccan authorities generally allow demonstrations, they have arrested activists who have targeted foreign embassies or connected their criticisms to the monarchy. Many protesters are also frustrated by Morocco’s decision to normalize relations with Israel in 2020, a move that sparked significant debate and continues to stir discontent among the populace.
Morocco’s normalization with Israel was part of the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic initiative from the Trump administration that also involved the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan. Despite this, public sentiment towards Israel remains largely negative in Morocco, reflecting a broader trend in many Arab nations.