Morocco protests spread over Israel ties as Rabat plans full embassies

September 30, 2026 at 06:46 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Pro-Palestine protests spread across Moroccan cities on September 27, with demonstrators demanding an end to normalisation with Israel. The mobilisation followed a September 16 announcement that Morocco and Israel would elevate their missions to full embassies. Moroccan authorities restricted some gatherings, with more than 12 people detained in Tangier.

Key Facts

The Moroccan Committee for Supporting the Nation’s Causes said it organised 76 events in 45 cities on September 25 under the slogan “Friday for Al-Aqsa and against normalisation”.
Morocco and Israel announced on September 16 that they would elevate their diplomatic missions to full embassies and appoint ambassadors.
In Tangier, security forces dispersed hundreds of participants and detained more than 12 people on September 27, according to Achkayen.
Morocco restored diplomatic relations with Israel in December 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords.

Protest Wave

Demonstrations took place in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Tangier, Fez, Agadir, Oujda, Tetouan, Kenitra and Sale. In Rabat, protesters gathered outside Parliament, while a demonstration in Marrakesh developed into a march through several main streets, according to Lakome. The Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine and Against Normalisation called for three days of action ending on September 27.

Official Restrictions

In Tangier, local authorities issued a decision banning a planned demonstration on September 27. Achkayen reported that security forces dispersed hundreds of participants and that more than 12 people were detained. Lakome reported that authorities also prevented demonstrations in M’diq, while security forces surrounded a gathering in Agadir to prevent it from becoming a march. The Moroccan Committee for Supporting the Nation’s Causes condemned what it described as bans, restrictions and arrests.

Diplomatic Upgrading

On September 16, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met in New York at a trilateral summit hosted by US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz. The three countries confirmed plans to elevate the Moroccan and Israeli diplomatic missions to full embassies and exchange ambassadors. Morocco and Israel also agreed to conclude agreements on investment protection and avoiding double taxation, expand direct flights and organise high-level reciprocal visits.