Moroccans Mark 70th Week of Nationwide Protests Against Gaza War and Normalization
Thousands rally across 54 cities in Morocco to denounce Israel’s war on Gaza, support Palestinian resistance, and demand an end to normalization with the occupation.
Watan-Moroccans continue their protests for the 70th consecutive week against the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, maintaining their ongoing solidarity with the Palestinian people since the war began on October 7, 2023. Today, Friday, thousands of Moroccans took to the streets after the noon prayer in dozens of demonstrations called for by the Moroccan Organization for the Support of Nation’s Causes (a non-governmental group). Similar protests are expected after the Maghrib and Isha prayers, including a demonstration in front of the Parliament in the capital, Rabat, this evening, organized by the National Action Group for Palestine (an independent organization), under the slogan: “Al-Aqsa Flood… The Ongoing Battle Against Genocide, Starvation, and Liquidation Conspiracies.”
Protests were held in cities including Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Taroudant, Tangier, Tetouan, Salé, Oujda, Taourirt, Taza, Azemmour, Azrou, Beni Tadjit, Guercif, Fquih Ben Salah, Khouribga, Beni Mellal, Oued Zem, Khenifra, Tinghir, Zayou, Berkane, and others. These demonstrations, organized after Friday prayers, were held under the slogan “Gaza Under Fire, O Nation of Islam,” and organized by the same Moroccan organization. Sources from the group revealed that 54 cities across Morocco participated in over 100 protests as part of the 70th “Friday of Popular Rage.”
Protesters raised Palestinian flags and banners denouncing the massacres committed by the Israeli occupation in Gaza, Western complicity, Arab betrayal, and normalization with the occupation. They praised the resilience of the Palestinian resistance and called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the opening of border crossings. Through their chants and speeches, demonstrators also demanded the cancellation of normalization with the Israeli occupation.
Moroccan Protests Continue for 70th Week Amid Calls to Escalate Solidarity with Gaza
Mohamed Riyahi Idrissi, Secretary-General of the Moroccan Organization for the Support of Nation’s Causes, said that the actions taking place in more than 50 cities represent the bare minimum in response to the unprecedented massacres in Gaza—marked by systematic killing, deliberate starvation, and total destruction, in blatant violation of international laws and conventions that have been rendered meaningless over the past year and a half. He noted that these protests are a direct response to the call from the people of Palestine and their steadfast resistance, reaffirming the Moroccan people’s unwavering support in this critical and painful time. He also highlighted that solidarity efforts and public mobilization have continued without interruption for 70 consecutive weeks.
Riyahi Idrissi stressed that today’s events represent a strong condemnation of the international silence toward these atrocities, and of the Arab regimes’ failure and inaction, as they merely watch the massacre and imprisonment of over two million people in Gaza. He also denounced U.S. political and military support for the occupation, calling it a partner in genocide, starvation policies, and forced displacement. He added: “The organization calls on the Moroccan government to seize this moment to end the normalization agreement with the criminal entity, sever all ties with the killers, and listen to the voice of the people who have protested since the agreement was signed to denounce it.” He considered today’s demonstrations an opportunity to reaffirm Moroccan solidarity with Gaza and support for the Palestinian resistance as the only path to full liberation.
Meanwhile, other Moroccan groups supporting Palestine and opposing normalization are preparing for more mass protests and rallies across the country, starting Friday. The Moroccan Initiative for Support and Advocacy is expected to organize evening protests in several cities, including Marrakesh, Asilah, and Casablanca. In a statement, the initiative called on all Moroccans to continue expressing public anger and protesting until the genocidal war in Gaza and the West Bank is halted.
Nationwide Marches Planned in Morocco as Popular Solidarity with Palestine Intensifies
Additionally, the Moroccan Front for the Support of Palestine and Against Normalization—which includes 15 rights, political, and union organizations—is planning protests this weekend in several cities, including a massive march in Meknes on Sunday and a similar one in Casablanca on the same day, to oppose killings and displacement. The National Action Group for Palestine will also organize a national march in Rabat on Sunday morning in solidarity with the resistance and rejection of normalization.
Since March 18, protests have continued across Morocco against the resumption of Israel’s war on Gaza. Dozens of cities have witnessed angry marches and rallies condemning the aggression. From the first day of Operation “Al-Aqsa Flood,” Morocco has shown consistent solidarity with Palestinians through almost daily protests and marches, unified in their support for Palestine, resistance, and rejection of normalization.
