El papel de Marruecos como mediador en el conflicto palestino-israelí
The regions of the Middle East and North Africa are experiencing different political, economic and social crises. These crises have generated various disparities that have led to armed clashes and civil wars, which in turn have hindered the development of wealth in some countries.
Among the reasons for the outbreaks, ethnicity and religion are two elements that have characterised the causes of these conflicts. The clearest example of this is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which has been going on for 75 years and is not likely to change for the time being.
In this context, diplomacy plays a key, albeit difficult, role. Several Arab countries have openly supported the Palestinian cause, condemning Israeli actions, despite the fact that some of them maintain far-reaching diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv.
Among these countries, the role of Morocco stands out. After the latest escalation of violence following the execution of Operation Dawn against Islamic Jihad in Gaza, the UN Arab group has praised the "sustained efforts" that the Alawite kingdom is making to try to find a solution. In this vein, Jordan's permanent representative to the UN, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud, expressed concern at a Security Council meeting that there were no discussions on "a two-state solution" based on the aim of proclaiming an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In this regard, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry said that "the kingdom calls for avoiding further escalation and restoring calm so that the situation does not degenerate". It warned that any further tension could jeopardise "any prospect of peace" in the region while re-emphasising Morocco's principled support for the Palestinian people.
Palestine also praised Morocco's role in supporting its people. The Palestinian Minister of Social Development, Ahmed Majdalani, said that Morocco's support for Palestine "has greatly helped the Palestinians to continue the resistance" and said that many people "appreciate the great support provided by Morocco to the State of Palestine in various sectors", such as the financial assistance provided by the Al-Quds Committee that helps preserve "the defence of Jerusalem and its identity".
Coinciding with the Throne Day speech, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also conveyed his congratulations to King Mohammed VI, praising Morocco's strong support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the defence of Jerusalem.
From the Israeli side, the Israeli Minister for Regional Cooperation, Issawi Frej, also expressed his support for the Moroccan side. In this respect, Frej indicated that Morocco is the country "best suited" and "with the most potential" to facilitate dialogue between Israel and Palestine, since the Moroccan kingdom maintains "good relations" with both countries.
In attempts to achieve peace, Rabat has played an important role in negotiations so that the Allenby crossing, which links the West Bank with Jordan, could be reopened. US officials have stressed that Morocco's commitment to the Palestinian cause has made it possible to "open the light" for negotiations. According to Washington's statements, "the collective efforts of Morocco and Jordan have made the difference" during this process.
In addition, the Israeli official highlighted Morocco's role in diplomatic policy in the region and emphasised the considerable presence of Moroccan Jews in the country. Alongside this, Israel's Minister of Transport and Road Safety thanked Morocco for both its 'commitment' and 'continuous efforts to promote peace and prosperity in the Middle East'.
In this situation, the good relations between Morocco and Israel have led the Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, to schedule a visit to Israel next September, commemorating the second anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords, making it the second visit Bourita has made to the country in less than a year.
