Moroccan authorities blocked pro-Palestine protests aimed at the Maersk ship in Casablanca, suspected of carrying F-35 components to Israel. Demonstrators faced heavy police presence but maintained a peaceful assembly. Activists condemned the Moroccan government for complicity in military shipments and planned further protests, reflecting rising opposition to the country’s ties with Israel amid escalating conflict in Gaza.
On Friday evening, Moroccan authorities obstructed numerous pro-Palestine demonstrators who aimed to reach the port of Casablanca. This action coincided with the arrival of the Maersk ship, believed to be transporting components for F-35 fighter jets to Israel. Although initially able to gather near the port, protestors were stopped at a secondary police line, reflecting heightened security measures against such gatherings.
Despite the significant police presence, the rally in Casablanca, which lasted over two hours, maintained a peaceful atmosphere with demonstrators chanting and displaying Palestinian flags. According to reports, the Maersk vessel named Nexoe was docked at the port despite the potential risks of escalating tensions over its cargo.
Several dockworkers, responding to a unique call from Morocco’s largest labor unions, the UMT and CDT, joined in a boycott against the ship, raising concerns regarding the implications of its activities. Sion Asidon, a major activist in the pro-Palestinian movement, articulated concerns about ongoing governmental efforts to suppress protests in various Moroccan cities, exemplified by a recent closure of university gates to prevent a student protest.
Investigative reports have accused Maersk of aiding in the transport of components for F-35 fighter jets that are en route to the Nevatim Air Base, essential for Israeli military operations in Gaza. Activists assert that the Nexoe is implicated in this controversial cargo delivery, which includes devices critical for the maintenance of F-35s currently deployed.
While Maersk has publicly acknowledged transporting F-35 components, they have clarified that these shipments are not intended for Israel specifically but for other nations involved in the joint program. Still, protests continued with demonstrators demanding that the Moroccan government respect public sentiment and halt the ship’s operations, highlighting a broader opposition to Moroccan-Israeli ties amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Activists are organizing a follow-up protest in Tangier on 20 April, coinciding with the expected docking of the Maersk Detroit. They seek to obstruct what they believe is a pivotal shipment of military resources to Israel, aligning with a growing wave of opposition against Moroccan diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv since the beginning of heightened conflicts in Gaza in 2023.
Since the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel in late 2020, public dissent has surged, with demands for the severance of military and commercial ties. Pro-Palestinian activists continue to rally, imploring the government for decisive action against perceived complicity in the violence occurring in Gaza.
In conclusion, the Moroccan protest against the Maersk Nexoe highlights the escalating tensions surrounding the country’s relations with Israel amid ongoing conflict. A combination of public dissent and labor union support reflects deep-seated concerns regarding military shipments and accountability. As activists prepare for further demonstrations, the call for a reevaluation of Morocco’s diplomatic stands in light of recent events resonates louder than ever.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
