Moroccan citizens from across the political spectrum gathered outside Parliament in Rabat on Wednesday evening to protest Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. The demonstration took place amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, with protesters chanting slogans in support of Palestinian resistance and condemning normalization with Israel.
The protesters, including men, women, and young people, voiced their anger with chants such as, “Resistance is a trust and normalization is treason,” and “Tell the normalization merchants, Palestine is not for sale.” The demonstration highlighted widespread discontent over the recent violence in Gaza and the perceived threat of normalization with Israel.
Haniyeh, who previously led the Palestinian government, was reportedly targeted as part of Israel’s broader conflict with Palestinians. Mohammed Hamdawi, head of the foreign relations office of the Justice and Spirituality Group, condemned the assassination as a “heinous crime” and an act against international norms. He expressed hope that Haniyeh’s death would galvanize Hamas and the broader resistance movement.
Abdelhamid Amin, a leader of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, emphasized the need for solidarity with Palestinians and criticized the Zionist approach, suggesting that recent operations, including Haniyeh’s assassination, were attempts to bolster morale amid failed objectives. He argued that such acts would not deter the resistance.
Abdelkader Alami, coordinator of the National Action Group for Palestine, described the assassination as part of a pattern of violence from the Zionist entity, citing past assassinations of resistance leaders. He asserted that these crimes would only strengthen the resolve of the resistance.
Former Moroccan Minister Mohammed al-Khalifa, a member of the Istiqlal Party, condemned the assassination as an act of desperation by the Zionist forces. He praised Haniyeh as a principled leader who stood firm against oppression.
Aws al-Rimal, head of the Unification and Reform Movement, criticized the escalation of violence and the breach of international laws. He denounced the ongoing conflict and called for an end to normalization with Israel, asserting that such relationships are unacceptable given the current humanitarian crisis.
