Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) has firmly rejected an invitation from the diplomatic representative of Israel in Rabat to partake in the commemoration of the founding of Israel.
In response, the PJD stated that this date symbolizes the anniversary of the Nakba, also known as the “Palestinian Catastrophe” when over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homeland and approximately 15,000 lost their lives.
In a communique released on May 29 after a general secretariat meeting, the PJD rejected the invitation extended to the parliamentary group and emphasized that this event represents a painful reminder of the Nakba, which signifies the “Zionist occupation” of Palestinian land and the continued displacement of the Palestinian people.
The PJD also expressed its unequivocal rejection of the planned visit by Israeli Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana to the Moroccan Parliament.
Ohana, who is of Moroccan origin, is reportedly set to make his first official visit to Morocco in early June, marking his inaugural visit to Morocco since assuming the role of Speaker of the Israeli Parliament.
The political party firmly stood against the formation of a “Moroccan-Israeli parliamentary friendship commission” and declared its categorical disinterest in participating.
This is not the first instance where the PJD has voiced its concerns regarding Morocco’s relations with Israel.
In March 2023, the party criticized the Moroccan foreign minister, accusing him of defending Israel in regional and international meetings. The PJD’s statement disapproved of the foreign minister’s positions and called for increased efforts to protect Palestine and Al-Quds (Jerusalem) in the face of escalating “Zionist aggression.”
In response to the PJD’s criticism, Morocco’s Royal Cabinet deemed the party’s comments “irresponsible excessive views and dangerous approximations.”
The cabinet reaffirmed Morocco’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, emphasizing that foreign policy matters fall within the constitutional prerogative of the King, highlighting his strategic role in safeguarding the best interests of the nation.
Morocco’s former ruling party clarified its position almost immediately following the cabinet’s statement, denying any intention to interfere with King Mohammed VI’s constitutional powers. The party also expressed its appreciation for the monarch’s strategic efforts to protect the country’s foremost interests.
Amid these developments, Morocco reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause, with government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas underscoring the country’s unwavering position in favor of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Moroccan government emphasized the clarity and consistency of its stance on the issue.
