Thousands protest in Rabat to mark two years of Gaza conflict
Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations in Rabat Highlight Solidarity
Thousands of Moroccans gathered in the streets of Rabat on Sunday to commemorate two years since the outbreak of Israel’s war on Gaza. This protest marked one of the largest pro-Palestinian demonstrations held in the capital since 2023, showcasing widespread public support for the Palestinian cause.
The rally was organized by the National Action Group for Palestine and the Moroccan Front for the Support of Palestine and Against Normalization. Participants came from all walks of life, representing various political affiliations and regions. They united under the slogan “One voice for Morocco: Against genocide, against normalization, with the resistance.”
The demonstration began at Bab El Had Square and proceeded toward Parliament. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, burned an Israeli flag, and chanted slogans such as “Death to Israel.” They also criticized any form of normalization with Tel Aviv, calling it a “national disgrace.”
This event took place against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic activity in the Middle East. Hamas expressed a positive response to a U.S.-backed proposal on prisoner exchanges, while Israel intercepted the Freedom Flotilla, which aimed to deliver aid to Gaza.
Security forces were present in large numbers to monitor the situation. Demonstrators condemned what they described as a war of starvation and destruction carried out by Israel. They also urged the Moroccan government to sever all forms of normalization with the country.
Key Voices from the Protest
Abderrahim Chikhi, former president of the Movement for Unity and Reform and a participant in the Freedom Flotilla, highlighted the significance of the event. He stated that the massive turnout reaffirmed the Moroccan people’s unwavering solidarity with Palestine and their rejection of genocide.
Chikhi emphasized that the demand to end the blockade and stop the war has now become a national consensus. He praised Hamas’s “measured and responsible” response to the latest U.S. plan, noting it reflected political maturity and collective Palestinian decision-making. However, he remained cautious about Israel’s willingness to honor any agreement.
Abdelhafid Sriti, coordinator of the National Action Group for Palestine, described the march as a continuation of a historical stance rooted in Moroccan solidarity since the 1930s. He argued that attempts to normalize ties with Israel are doomed to fail due to the overwhelming opposition from the Moroccan population.
Sriti called on authorities to close the Israeli liaison office in Rabat, stating that the march sends a clear message: the Moroccan street stands with Gaza, with justice, and with freedom until the last day of occupation.
Broader Implications of the Demonstration
The protest in Rabat reflects a growing sentiment among Moroccans who view the ongoing conflict in Gaza as a moral and political issue. The demonstrators’ calls for an end to the blockade and for justice for the Palestinian people have resonated across different segments of society.
The event also highlights the role of civil society organizations in mobilizing public opinion. Groups like the National Action Group for Palestine and the Moroccan Front for the Support of Palestine and Against Normalization have played a crucial role in keeping the Palestinian cause at the forefront of public discourse.
As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Middle East conflict, the voices of those in Rabat serve as a reminder of the deep-seated solidarity between Morocco and the Palestinian people.

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