Moroccan King calls for immediate and lasting ceasefire in Palestinian territories

RABAT - Morocco’s King Mohammed VI made Tuesday a vibrant appeal to the international community for the immediate establishment of a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, the protection of the fundamental rights of Palestinians and the revival of the peace process in the Middle East amid a dramatic escalation of violence in the Palestinian territories.

The monarch’s appeal, launched on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, resonates as a call to mobilize consciences in a world in search of peace and justice.

King Mohammed VI, who is the Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, sent a message to the Chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People , Mr. Cheikh Niang .

The sovereign expressed Morocco’s firm and constant position in favour of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, while calling on the international community to take immediate and coordinated action to put an end to the tragedy gripping the war-torn region.

A critical humanitarian situation in Gaza

King Mohammed VI expressed his deep concern In the face of the unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has been raging in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.

He denounced the Israeli aggressions that have caused tens of thousands of deaths, massive destruction of infrastructure, and deprivation of basic rights such as access to water, food, and medical care.

He described the circumstances as "unacceptable from a human, legal and moral standpoint, and consistent with Morocco’s usual policy in various regional and international forums.

“In view of the serious, unprecedented developments in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, the Kingdom of Morocco expresses its deep concern over the tragic conditions resulting from the continued Israeli invasion, which has so far claimed the lives of tens of thousands of innocent, defenceless civilians. Millions of Palestinians have been deprived of their basic rights to housing, food, health, clean water, education and security; they have been forcibly displaced or made to migrate due to massive, wide-ranging destruction of infrastructure in the region,” wrote the monarch.

King Mohammed VI urged the international community to mobilize urgently to stop the war in Palestine, force Israel to lift the siege on the Gaza Strip and allow the return of displaced persons. This mobilization must also lay the foundations for an ambitious reconstruction plan to repair the infrastructure destroyed by the conflict.

“The tragic situation in the Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip, and the related regional and international challenges call out to the conscience of the world and require decisive action for the achievement of an immediate, comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire. They also require greater joint action to support and protect human rights in the Palestinian territories, implement relevant UN resolutions and ensure full compliance with international law and international humanitarian law,” he stressed.

Six priorities for decisive international action

The Moroccan King has set out a six-point roadmap to respond to this crisis:

- First: the need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and for an end be put to the repeated attacks on the defenceless inhabitants of the West Bank and al-Qods;

- Second: the need to make sure that civilians are protected, that they are not targeted and that there is no further bloodshed in the entire Palestinian territories;

- Third: the need to open all crossings immediately, permanently and unconditionally, without any restrictions, so as to ensure the unhindered flow, in sufficient quantities, of humanitarian and relief aid as well as medical supplies to meet the basic needs of the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip and the other Palestinian territories;

- Fourth: the need to preserve, strengthen and support the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA);

- Fifth: the need to reject any displacement of Palestinian citizens and ensure full compliance with international law and international humanitarian law;

- Sixth: the need to start serious, meaningful negotiations to revive the peace process, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and international legitimacy.

Call for urgent global mobilization

The Sovereign reiterated his call to the major powers capable of playing a decisive role. He invited them to engage in intense diplomatic efforts within the framework of a new and effective dynamic aimed at bringing all the parties concerned back to the negotiating table to ultimately achieve a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question and offer a secure future to the Palestinian and Israeli generations.

“Given the impasse in the Middle East peace process and the difficult conditions currently prevailing in the region, I call once again on the international community, especially the influential countries which can have an impact on the conflict, to undertake fresh, intensive and effective diplomatic efforts with a view to bringing back the parties concerned to the negotiating table. The aim is to achieve a just, comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue and build a common future for upcoming Palestinian and Israeli generations, within the framework of the two-state solution,” he pointed out.

Morocco, committed to peace and reconciliation

The Sovereign stressed Morocco's unwavering support for all initiatives aimed at establishing a concrete and permanent ceasefire, as well as improving the humanitarian situation on the ground. By mobilizing its strategic position and its privileged relations with the various parties concerned, as well as with influential international powers, Morocco is tirelessly striving to create the necessary conditions for a return to direct negotiations, considered the only way to put a definitive end to the conflict.

At the same time, the Kingdom reaffirms its unreserved support for the Palestinian National Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, in its efforts to realize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom, security, independence and prosperity. Furthermore, Morocco welcomes all steps towards Palestinian national reconciliation, which it considers key elements for achieving a common project of an independent state, the only guarantor of lasting peace in the region.

Morocco's long-lasting commitment to preserving Al-Quds 

King Mohammed VI condemned the repeated Israeli provocations in Al-Quds, which hinder appeasement efforts and international initiatives aimed at calming tensions. As Chairman of the OIC Al-Quds Committee, he reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the legal, historical and demographic status of the city as a sacred place for the three monotheistic religions.

In addition, the Bait Mal Al-Quds Agency, the executive body of the Al-Quds Committee, will continue to implement concrete programs and projects that fundamentally aim to preserve the cultural identity of the Holy City, improve the social situation and living conditions of the Makkah population and support their resistance.

A steadfast humanitarian commitment from the King

Morocco has repeatedly delivered humanitarian aid to Gaza, including basic medicines, medical equipment and emergency supplies. The King recalled that these efforts are a "reflection of Morocco's sincere and constant commitment" to the Palestinian cause.

“Considering the humanitarian calamity befalling our brothers and sisters in the Gaza Strip, I have, on three occasions, ordered the dispatching of urgent medical and humanitarian aid to the Strip. That special aid, which also included equipment for treating burns, surgical and emergency supplies as well as basic medicines, was delivered using an unprecedented crossing. As we all know, the medical sector in Gaza is in a state of near collapse due to the scarcity of medical supplies and medicines,” he said.