By Mohamed Ghani
Gaza Strip – Hundreds of Moroccan citizens are enduring a dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, trapped amidst relentless bombardments, a crippling blockade, and rapidly deteriorating living conditions. Despite established mechanisms for foreign nationals to exit the besieged territory, these Moroccans report a complete absence of diplomatic coordination from Rabat, leaving them stranded and increasingly desperate for repatriation.
The Gaza Strip is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history, exacerbated by ongoing Israeli military operations that claim dozens of lives and wound hundreds daily. Civilian targets have been increasingly hit, particularly as Israeli forces mass around the densely populated Gaza City, leaving residents with no refuge from assaults and compounding the catastrophe.
Mohamed Mossadeq Benkhadra, a Moroccan citizen also holding Palestinian nationality, and interim director of the newly formed Association of Moroccans in the Gaza Strip, spoke to Yabiladi from Al-Burj camp. “There are hundreds of Moroccan families in the Strip. At the beginning of the war, some left through the Rafah crossing, while others were unable to leave,” he stated. Benkhadra, who has a long history in the region, including past imprisonment in Morocco and Israel for his activities with the Palestinian Liberation Front, is at the forefront of efforts to assist his compatriots.
Moroccans Seek Repatriation Amid Diplomatic Inertia
Benkhadra highlighted the established protocol for foreigners seeking to leave Gaza: coordination through the Red Cross, which transports them to Jordan before they proceed to their home countries. “Every day, a large number of foreigners leave the Gaza Strip in coordination with their embassies,” he explained. “But unfortunately, after more than a year, no Moroccan has been able to coordinate with the Moroccan Embassy in Ramallah to leave the Strip.”
He added that numerous Moroccans, including himself, have repeatedly contacted the embassy for assistance. “We urge the authorities to issue instructions to the embassy to assist stranded Moroccans in returning to Morocco, especially since the embassy claims it has no instructions in this regard from the Foreign Ministry.”
A particularly distressing obstacle, according to Benkhadra, is a unique policy affecting Moroccan families. “Initially, when Moroccans were allowed to be evacuated, fathers holding Palestinian citizenship were prevented from leaving, separating fathers from their families,” he recounted. “This measure, which prevents the husbands of Moroccan women from leaving, has caused a significant tragedy lasting over a year. This measure is unique to Morocco among all countries. We do not understand why it was taken.”
Between 300 and 400 Moroccans are estimated to be living in Gaza under extreme conditions, marked by famine, a relentless blockade, and constant threat. They await urgent intervention from Moroccan authorities to secure their return home and protect their basic rights amidst the deepening humanitarian crisis.
