Moshe Avichzer, an Israeli soldier, is haunted by the sounds of children crying and the destruction left behind in Gaza. After completing a mission that left the area in ruins, with its people struggling for water and electricity, he needed to unwind. But where does someone like him go to relax after witnessing such horrors? The answer: Marrakesh, Morocco.
Morocco’s Public Support for Palestine
For years, Morocco has positioned itself as a supporter of Palestine, with King Mohammed VI often speaking out for Palestinian rights. As the head of the Al-Quds Committee, the king makes public statements showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. However, there’s a darker side to this story.
Machiavelli once said that actions speak louder than words. In Morocco’s case, this rings true. While the country publicly champions Palestine, it has secretly built military ties with Israel. This includes arms deals and the use of advanced Israeli technology, like drones and spyware, which contradict Morocco’s claims of standing for justice.
Since signing the Abraham Accords in 2020, Morocco’s trade with Israel has grown, with reports showing that Moroccan exports to Israel reached nearly $18 million in 2022.
A Controversial Article Stirs Outrage
Adding to the controversy, Moroccan media mogul Ahmed Charai recently published an article titled “We Are All Israelis.” This was shocking for many Moroccans, who felt betrayed by his words aligning with the very forces causing suffering in Palestine. Public outrage followed, with many accusing him of trying too hard to gain Israeli approval.
As Avichzer enjoyed the luxury of Marrakesh, the facade of Morocco’s solidarity with Palestine began to crack, revealing a different reality: the kingdom had become a safe haven for soldiers implicated in violence against Palestinians.
Legal Action and Public Anger
Avichzer’s vacation did not go unnoticed. In May, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) stated there was strong evidence of war crimes committed in Gaza, implicating soldiers like Avichzer. Despite this, he boldly shared images of the destruction on social media, seemingly without fear of consequences.
In September, Moroccan lawyers filed a legal complaint against Avichzer, accusing him of serious crimes such as genocide and torture in Gaza. They argued that their case was essential for defending Palestinian human rights. The complaint referenced Moroccan laws allowing prosecution of individuals for terrorist crimes committed abroad if they are apprehended in the country.
Public anger grew in Marrakesh, with activists voicing their discontent. They emphasized that Israeli soldiers, like Avichzer, would think twice before returning to Morocco after such actions.
Unveiling a Complex History
The case against Avichzer has shed light on Morocco’s complicated relationship with Israel, which goes back decades. For example, Israel once helped facilitate the emigration of Moroccan Jews, but this effort was more about profit than compassion.
In the 1960s, Morocco started relying on Israeli intelligence, with the Mossad training its security forces and even helping to surveil political opponents. King Hassan II allowed the Mossad to gather intelligence during an Arab League summit, aiding Israel in a crucial military victory.
A Question of Loyalty
Now, with the case against Avichzer underway, attention turns to King Mohammed VI. Will he uphold the principles of justice his country claims to support, or will this expose Morocco’s true loyalties?
The public is left waiting, hoping for a decision that reflects integrity rather than political gain. As the tension grows, the question remains: Is Morocco genuinely a supporter of Palestine, or is it simply a facade hiding deeper ties with Israel?
