Amid growing opposition to Morocco’s normalization of ties with Israel, activists have intensified protests at key Moroccan ports over the arrival of military cargo reportedly destined for Israel.
The demonstrators, who are majorly Moroccans, are targeting U.S. cargo ships transporting military components to Israel, including fighter jet parts.
Since the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks, the U.S. has boosted military aid to Israel, providing over $17.9 billion in advanced weaponry and defense systems like the Iron Dome.
This support aims to reinforce Israel’s defenses amid regional conflicts and maintain the U.S.–Israel strategic alliance.
The vessel’s passage through Morocco was primarily due to denied access in Spain and the logistical advantages offered by Tanger Med port
The protests reflect widespread anger over the country’s diplomatic alignment with Israel and the continued military cooperation, with calls to block such shipments gaining momentum among Moroccan citizens and activists alike.
What the protesters are demanding
In 2020, Morocco normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords with major support from the U.S. during Donald Trump’s first term.
This earned it due recognition and U.S support on its claim over the disputed Western Sahara.
Soon after Morocco normalized relations with Israel, the United States notified Congress of its intent to sell Morocco $1 billion worth of drones and precision-guided weapons.
As part of the agreement, the U.S. also pledged to open a consulate in the city of Dakhla, in Western Sahara, to promote economic and investment opportunities—effectively recognizing Morocco’s claim to the disputed territory, according to the memorandum’s text.
While this deal brought diplomatic and economic benefits, it has sparked growing resentment among the Moroccan public, especially after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
Despite protests against the normalization, the Moroccan monarchy continues to support Israel due to the political leverage, military support, and strategic advantages it provides, particularly regarding the Western Sahara conflict.
This has led to several protests across the country, with demonstrators marching to strategic ports and targeting companies involved in transporting military cargo.
Recently, activists and port workers spotted two vessels crossing the Atlantic, carrying fighter jet parts they suspected were headed for Israel. They called for the ships to be blocked from docking in Morocco.
The involvement of Morocco’s largest labor union last month gave further momentum to the call to prevent the ships from docking.
Morocco’s port workers union called for a boycott of a Danish cargo ship allegedly carrying U.S. military equipment to Israel, amid mounting outrage over the war in Gaza.
In a statement, the union urged workers at Casablanca Port to refuse to service the Maersk Nexoe, declaring, “Anyone facilitating this ship’s passage is, without question, a direct accomplice in the genocidal war against the Palestinian people.
Additionally, dozens of religious scholars and preachers, many associated with the anti-monarchy Islamist movement Al Adl wal Ihsan, issued a fatwa urging the same.
