Moroccan Political Festival Marks Anniversary of Al-Aqsa Flood
On October 26, 2024, a significant speech festival took place in Casablanca, Morocco, commemorating the anniversary of the "Al-Aqsa Flood". Organized by the Justice and Development Party (Islamist), the event showcased a large turnout of politicians and activists advocating for the Palestinian resistance. Prominent figures included former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and human rights activist Mohamed El Khalifa, who emphasized the importance of solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst ongoing Israeli aggression.
The festival featured a large banner stating, "On the anniversary of the Al-Aqsa flood, the resistance continues until victory," reflecting the attendees' strong support for the Palestinian cause. Many expressed calls for Morocco to sever diplomatic ties with Israel, highlighting the urgency of solidarity with Gaza and Lebanon. According to reports, the Israeli conflict has resulted in over 52,000 casualties, including deaths and missing persons, prompting a rallying cry for action from Moroccan citizens.
Calls for Unity and Action Against Normalization
During the festival, speakers condemned the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, with Benkirane stating that his party had previously apologized for signing a normalization agreement in December 2020. He reiterated that the Palestinian struggle is a fundamental issue for Morocco, urging all political parties to unite in support of the Palestinian cause.
Mohamed El Khalifa celebrated the ongoing resistance, noting that for the first time since 1948, a year-long struggle has persisted against occupation forces. The symbolism of the event was underscored by references to the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, whose actions have inspired a renewed sense of hope among supporters of the Palestinian cause.
Amina Ma El Ainain, from the Justice and Development Party, expressed that the festival aimed to revive awareness of the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the need for Arab and Islamic unity in the face of oppression. Additionally, Abdel Wahid Souhail of the Progress and Socialism Party highlighted the collective Moroccan sentiment in support of Palestine, calling for a unified front against Israeli aggression and normalization efforts.