Protests planned against Moroccan normalisation of relations with Israel
The activist group Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine and Against Normalisation has organised protests to take place today in response to warming relations between Morocco and Israel.
On 10 December of last year, Morocco became the fourth Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords. However, many Moroccans remain staunchly opposed to Israel and view the normalisation deal as abandonment of the Palestinians in their fight against Israeli occupation. In return for reviving diplomatic ties with Israel, the United States granted recognition of Moroccan sovreignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory.
Nevertheless, expect the Moroccan government to continue increasing its engagement with Israel in the near future. Recently, the two countries signed an agreement that would promote engagement between respective private sectors and facilitate trade relations, technology transfers and joint R&D endeavours. Israel hopes to offset last year’s sluggish economic performance with boosted tourism numbers from Arab countries. However, American recognition of Morocco’s claims over the Western Sahara has fueled a recent escalation of tensions between Morocco and the militant groups working to secure sovereignty over the territory.
Wake up smarter with an assessment of the stories that will make headlines in the next 24 hours. Download The Daily Brief.
