Public gatherings in several Moroccan cities this week have brought the issue of the kingdom’s relationship with Israel to the forefront of domestic politics, Al Jazeera reported. Demonstrators, many carrying Palestinian flags, marched through streets in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech, demanding an end to what they described as "normalisation" with Israel and calling for greater support for the Palestinian cause.
The protests come as Rabat continues to expand its ties with Israel, a policy shift that began with the 2020 Abraham‑Accords‑style agreement brokered by the United States. Since then, the two states have signed a series of memoranda covering trade, tourism, technology and security cooperation. Moroccan officials have highlighted the economic and strategic benefits of the partnership, noting increased Israeli investment and joint initiatives in fields such as agriculture and renewable energy.
Authorities responded to the demonstrations with a heightened police presence and a series of arrests, according to the news outlet. Security forces were reported to have used tear gas in some locations to disperse crowds, while several participants were detained for alleged violations of public order. The government has framed the protests as isolated incidents, emphasizing that the majority of citizens support the diplomatic direction taken by the monarchy.
Opposition parties and civil‑society groups have seized on the unrest to criticize the ruling coalition’s foreign‑policy choices. Representatives of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) and other left‑leaning factions have called for a reassessment of the Israel‑Morocco relationship, arguing that it undermines Morocco’s historical solidarity with the Palestinian people and could jeopardise the kingdom’s standing in the Arab world.
International observers note that Morocco’s engagement with Israel is part of a broader regional trend, where several Gulf and North African states have pursued closer ties with Jerusalem in recent years. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera suggest that Rabat’s strategy aims to diversify its diplomatic partnerships and attract foreign investment, while also aligning with U.S. policy priorities in the Middle East.
The timing of the protests coincides with heightened tensions in the Gaza Strip, where renewed fighting has drawn criticism from many Arab nations. Moroccan officials have reiterated support for a two‑state solution, but have stopped short of condemning Israel’s recent military actions, a stance that has fueled public discontent.
The government’s handling of the demonstrations is likely to influence upcoming political calculations, including the approach of parliamentary elections slated for next year. Observers anticipate that the issue could become a focal point for voter sentiment, potentially reshaping the balance between pro‑government forces and opposition groups.
Overall, the latest wave of protests underscores a growing domestic debate over Morocco’s foreign‑policy orientation, reflecting broader regional dynamics and the enduring sensitivity of the Palestinian issue within Moroccan society.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/30/moroccos-pro-palestine-protests-challenge-rabats-deepening-israel-ties?traffic_source=rss.