Morocco evacuates 369 citizens amid Gaza crisis

The Moroccan government has successfully evacuated 369 of its nationals and their family members from Gaza since the onset of Israel’s military offensive, as announced by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. This operation, which included five separate missions, was prompted by the intensifying humanitarian crisis and bombardment in the region.

Bourita provided details in a written response to a parliamentary inquiry from the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS). The most recent evacuation occurred on April 8, 2024. The minister highlighted that due to escalating military operations and the resulting closure of border crossings, Morocco, like several other nations, has temporarily halted evacuation efforts until conditions improve.

“The central services of the ministry and the Kingdom of Morocco’s representations in the concerned countries remain mobilized to monitor the situation of our community in the Gaza Strip,” Bourita reassured, emphasizing ongoing coordination with international authorities to facilitate further evacuations when feasible.

A specific case addressed in the parliamentary question involved Moroccan citizen Dounia Aït Zakour, who had recently given birth. She wished to leave Gaza with her newborn and husband but was unable to appear at the Rafah crossing as scheduled. The Moroccan embassy in Ramallah has reached out to her for updates and to prepare necessary documents for her family’s evacuation when the situation allows.

Morocco has consistently condemned Israeli military actions. On March 20, Bourita expressed “vigorous and unequivocal” disapproval of the renewed aggression against civilians in Gaza, labeling the situation as “grave and very concerning.” He reiterated that these actions, which have resulted in numerous casualties, are unacceptable and impede the peace process in the region.

The current conflict in Gaza has escalated significantly since March 18, following the breakdown of a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange agreement established in January. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is now reviewing a genocide case against Israel, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders accused of war crimes.

King Mohammed VI, serving as President of the Al-Quds Committee, has consistently advocated for a stable ceasefire as a prerequisite for any future resolutions. Amid this backdrop, public sentiment in Morocco remains strong against Israel’s actions, with large-scale protests occurring in Rabat. Demonstrators have called for severing diplomatic ties with Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Recent reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry indicate that over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 116,000 injured since the commencement of the Israeli campaign 18 months ago. The Gaza Government Media Office has updated the death toll to over 61,700, including many who are presumed dead under rubble.

Despite re-establishing diplomatic relations with Israel in December 2020, Morocco maintains its commitment to the Palestinian cause, facing ongoing public pressure to sever ties as the crisis deepens.