Moroccan and international non-governmental organizations have voiced strong criticism of what they describe as a new stage in the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. The groups argue that such steps undermine the Palestinian cause and contradict Morocco's longstanding official support for a two-state solution.
The criticism follows the December 2020 agreement, brokered with United States support, under which Morocco re-established diplomatic ties with Israel. In exchange, the United States recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. Since then, the two countries have signed cooperation agreements in areas including tourism, agriculture, and security.
Opponents of normalization, including parts of Moroccan civil society and political parties, have repeatedly organized protests and issued statements condemning the deepening ties. They contend that normalization legitimizes Israeli policies toward Palestinians and weakens the Arab consensus on the conflict.
Supporters of the normalization, including the Moroccan government, maintain that the relationship brings economic and diplomatic benefits, particularly regarding the Western Sahara issue, and does not affect Morocco's position on the Palestinian question. The debate remains a sensitive topic in Morocco, where public opinion is largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
