The MENA area has been rocked by pro-Palestinian protests, both planned and unplanned, in response to the conflict between Israel and militant organizations based in Gaza. Algerian, Libyan, and Moroccan protesters gathered in North Africa to show their solidarity for Palestine.
“The entire Algerian people are in solidarity with the Palestinian people and stand by their side. The Palestinian people are in distress and need the support of the Arab and Muslim communities,” shared Khaled Sofiane, pro-Palestinian protester in Algeria.
Prince Moulay Hicham El Alaoui, the Moroccan monarch’s cousin, has shown his support for Palestine on social media despite Morocco’s normalisation of relations with Israel in exchange for US recognition of its sovereignty over the long-disputed area of Western Sahara.
Thousands of Moroccans also demonstrated to demand that the government stop the normalization process.
“This is a call to the Moroccan state to stop normalisation. An appeal to Morocco, which chairs the Jerusalem Committee, to act urgently, to close the liaison office with Israel. And to withdraw from all agreements. This is what Moroccan people demand today,” expressed Rachid Fellouli, pro-Palestinian protester in Morocco.
The five El-Emad towers in Libya supported the Palestinian flag by illuminating in its colours.
The Libyan government has never acknowledged Israel and has consistently taken the side of Palestine. The diplomat in charge of Libya was demoted a few months back for meeting with her Israeli colleague. The encounter’s story had sparked outrage in the already fragile nation.
“We’re a long way from Palestine. Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do. All we can do is speak up for the Palestinian people,” said Elijah, pro-Palestinian protester in Libya.
Following Israel’s warning to leave before an anticipated ground offensive against Hamas in reprisal for the bloodiest attack in Israel’s history, thousands of Palestinians sought safety in southern Gaza on Friday.
In reaction, rounds of missile attacks on the densely populated enclave killed at least 1,900 civilians in Gaza, including over 600 children.
