As the conflict between Israel and Hamas takes longer than expected, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of this ongoing conflict in the region on the diplomatic and bilateral relations between the United States of America and Morocco.
So far, the increasing tensions between Israel and Palestine have not undermined the bilateral relations between America and its non-NATO ally.
Morocco’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict is steadfast:
To learn more about the repercussions of this ongoing conflict on the US-Morocco diplomatic ties, MoroccoLatestNews called Ali Lahrichi, the Dean of the Political, Legal, and Social Sciences Institute at Mundiapolis University.
Lahrichi said that the US-Morocco diplomatic ties are separate from the Kingdom’s relations with other countries.
He stressed that “Morocco’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict is always a clear position, way before the recent attacks on October 7th.”
“Morocco has always supported the two-state proposal as a solution for this conflict, with a Palestinian state based on the June 1967 borders and its capital in East Jerusalem,” underscored the Expert in Politics.
He continued, “Despite the signing of the Abraham Accords with Israel, Morocco has never changed its stance on the Palestinian issue,” stressing that “Morocco exercises sovereignty over its internal and external affairs.”
For this reason, Lahrichi believes that “the United States will not change its position on Morocco or the issue of the Moroccan Sahara,” bearing in mind that “Morocco has condemned the killing of innocent civilians on both sides.”
“I do not think that the United States will change its position because Morocco is a NATO ally. Secondly, Morocco’s positions are steadfast and do not change.”
It is worth noting that Morocco was designated as a major non-NATO ally by the United States in 2004. The North African country is regarded as a key international player in the fight against terrorism.
The Dean of the Political, Legal, and Social Sciences Institute at Mundiapolis University referred to the Russia-Ukraine war as an example. He underscored that “Morocco’s positions are always steadfast and align with international law. The kingdom does not adopt the propaganda policy as some countries do to exploit humanitarian issues for their interest.”
Moroccan-US relations are clear:
Amine Sami, a Strategic Expert in Economy, told MoroccoLatestNews that the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict on the international and diplomatic relations between Morocco and the United States cannot be affected for several reasons.
“Firstly, this war is between Hamas and Israel. Secondly, Morocco strongly condemned the killing of children, women, elderly civilians, and vital infrastructure,” said Sami.
He stressed the United States and Israel are well aware and assured of Morocco’s stance on the Palestinian issue, as it is considered a priority after the national issue.
“Morocco always seeks peaceful resolution and abides by the United Nations resolutions, supporting the two-state solution and considering East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Therefore, the Moroccan state’s position in this regard is clear and known to the international community,” underscored the Expert in Economy.
He pointed out that “Even the restoration of relations with Israel and the reopening of the Israeli liaison office in Morocco were not at the expense of the Palestinian issue, as Morocco was clear in this regard. Hence, Moroccan-American relations are clear and heading in the right direction.
During the Peace Summit held in Cairo, Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, stressed the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to bring stability, prosperity, and progress.
He also reported Morocco’s readiness to coordinate with all partners involved in this issue to contribute to international efforts to end the dangerous situation in the Gaza Strip.
The Kingdom always reiterates the two-state proposal as the only solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, with a Palestinian state based on the June 1967 borders and its capital in East Jerusalem coexisting with the state of Israel.
The death toll in Gaza amid continuous Israeli airstrikes since October 7 has risen to 6,546, including 2,704 children, 1,584 women, and 364 elderly individuals, in addition to 17,439 citizens injured with various wounds, according to the Hamas-affiliated Ministry of Health.