Moroccan authorities prevented pro-Palestinian protests against the Maersk Nexoe ship suspected of transporting F-35 components to Israel. Activists expressed their discontent with increasing government restrictions, calling for solidarity against military actions in Gaza. Amid rising tensions, further protests are planned in response to the controversial shipment.
On Friday evening, Moroccan authorities obstructed pro-Palestinian activists from approaching the port of Casablanca, where the Maersk ship, purportedly transporting F-35 fighter jet components to Israel, was docked. Protesters gathered near the city’s train station and attempted to reach the harbor but were halted by police stationed at the port’s main entrance. Despite attempts to penetrate the second police line, security forces successfully repelled them, maintaining order at the protest site.
Some dockworkers responded to a rare boycott call from Morocco’s largest labor unions, the UMT and the CDT, potentially disrupting the operations of the Maersk Nexoe ship. According to activist Sion Asidon of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, authorities have increasingly restricted protests in cities such as Agadir and Meknes, revealing a concerted effort to silence dissent against the government’s policies.
Nevertheless, the protest in Casablanca remained peaceful for over two hours, centering around concerns regarding the Maersk Nexoe, which was confirmed to be docked there at that time. Various investigative reports have implicated Maersk in the transport of F-35 components allegedly destined for Israel’s airforce, raising significant apprehension among pro-Palestinian activists. They believe these components are vital for the functionality of F-35 jets currently deployed in Gaza operations.
Maersk’s public statements have claimed the transported components are not intended for Israel; instead, they are part of a joint program. However, pro-Palestinian groups contend that the delivery is crucial for Israel’s military efforts. Activists shared examples of the high equipment demands from the F-35s, emphasizing the necessity for continuous repairs to maintain operational readiness.
During the protest, demonstrators displayed placards urging the Moroccan government to heed public sentiment and block the ship, citing ongoing violence against Palestinians, which has reportedly resulted in over 60,000 deaths in Gaza. They expressed solidarity with Yemeni resistance, commended dockworkers for not assisting the vessel, and criticized the government’s failure to respond to public outcry.
Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, opposition to Israel’s actions and Morocco’s diplomatic relations with Israel has surged, manifesting in weekly protests across multiple cities. Activists have consistently called for a cessation of relations, despite government assurances that normalization does not equate to support for Israel’s policies. Looking ahead, plans for another protest in Tangier were announced coinciding with the anticipated arrival of the Maersk Detroit, raising concerns about further shipments of military equipment to Israel.
In summary, the Moroccan government’s measures to curtail pro-Palestinian protests in response to the docking of a Maersk ship are indicative of heightened tensions surrounding Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Activists continue to voice their dissent, calling for a reevaluation of Morocco’s relations with Israel amidst escalating violence. The ongoing protests underline a substantial movement against perceived complicity in military support, reinforcing calls for solidarity among nations and communities affected by conflict.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
