Morocco’s Potential Role in Gaza Amid Regional Transformations: Toward an Alternative Sovereign Humanitarian Vision

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• Dr. Abdellah Chanfar

Is Arab Solidarity Policy Still Capable of Transcending Performative Rhetoric?
  The deepening humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 raises burning questions about the effectiveness of the Arab regional system—not only in containing the crisis, but also in providing concrete responses that go beyond slogans and symbolic or emotional rhetoric.
  Amid blocked political pathways and the monopolization of “media solidarity” discourse by certain regimes, a fundamental question emerges: Can an Arab state—sovereign, stable, and diplomatically seasoned like Morocco—present an alternative model of effective and principled support for the Palestinian people? And is it still possible—amid the contest over symbolic representation—to redefine the meaning of Arab solidarity in a way that balances humanitarian, sovereign, and ethical dimensions?
1. Regional Context and the Transformation of Solidarity Practices
  In the current regional landscape, the actions of some Arab states toward Gaza are largely rhetorical—dominated by media incitement and symbolic investment. Certain powers have claimed a monopoly over the Arab conscience, yet their positions rarely translate into effective policies or tangible humanitarian contributions inside Gaza. This reflects a broader dysfunction in prevailing modes of thinking in Arab-Muslim societies—what could be termed “wishful thinking” for a miraculous victory, where some believe that organizing protest caravans or marching toward borders will liberate Jerusalem and lift the siege on Gaza.
  This general atmosphere is compounded by the absence of an effective role for the Arab League and the decline of joint relief coordination mechanisms.
  In this vacuum, there is a pressing need for rational humanitarian actors not driven by narrow ideological agendas. This raises the central question: In light of its sovereign status and historical commitment to Palestine, how can Morocco fill this void with a concrete initiative that has both humanitarian and political dimensions?
2. The Moroccan Proposal – Between Realism and Sovereignty
  This analysis proposes that Morocco—under the high leadership of King Mohammed VI, who holds a respected international stature—take the initiative to send a comprehensive humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza, directly overseen by a medical and logistical unit of the Royal Armed Forces.
  This proposal builds upon Morocco’s past experiences in responding to humanitarian crises—such as the earthquake in Turkey, the Beirut port explosion, and aid convoys to Gaza, Lebanon, and the Zaatari camp in Jordan.
  If activated, the Moroccan initiative should go beyond symbolic gestures to become a functional aid structure managed by Moroccan technical and medical personnel. This would reinforce Morocco’s image as an independent sovereign actor—eschewing media spectacle, yet assuming its historical and moral responsibilities.
  However, can such an initiative be realistically implemented within the complex geopolitical framework—especially given Morocco’s official ties with Israel? Could Morocco face targeted backlash from regimes that benefit from perpetuating regional chaos?
  In the current climate of symbolic competition over Gaza and the broader Palestinian issue, several scenarios arise:
• Scenario – From a Sovereign Humanitarian Perspective:
Morocco has consistently responded to humanitarian crises—whether in Gaza, Syria, or Sudan—through a measured, ethical approach. Sending aid under the supervision of the Royal Armed Forces (as during the Turkey earthquake and past Gaza missions) would align with Morocco’s strategic diplomacy that combines humanitarian and sovereign dimensions.
• Scenario – From Israel’s Perspective:
Given the existing official ties between Rabat and Tel Aviv, Israel may allow Moroccan aid through Kerem Shalom or via international mechanisms like the Palestinian Red Crescent or the UN. Israel might even perceive Morocco’s involvement as a stabilizing factor, offering diplomatic cover amid growing international criticism.
• Scenario – Geopolitical and Media Implications:
Morocco’s action would carry symbolic weight and could be interpreted as a direct message to regimes seeking to monopolize solidarity discourse (e.g., Algeria, Qatar, possibly Tunisia). Yet Morocco generally avoids populist alignments and prefers a balanced tone. It may therefore pursue a powerful yet discreet humanitarian intervention through official and diplomatic channels.
  Any such step must be carefully calculated, given the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, intense political tensions within the Arab League, and the potential for some actors to politicize the Moroccan initiative—either through feigned praise or media attacks.
3. The Practical Feasibility of Moroccan Action
  Based on objective indicators, the Moroccan initiative appears feasible despite the current challenges:
• Israeli dimension: Morocco’s official relations with Israel make logistical coordination possible via Kerem Shalom or international frameworks like the UN or Red Crescent. Israel might welcome Morocco’s role as a diplomatic balancing force.
• Palestinian dimension: Morocco enjoys a positive reputation in Palestinian society as the chair of the Al-Quds Committee and a traditional supporter of the Palestinian cause. It is not viewed as a partisan actor in internal divisions, granting its actions wide political and popular acceptance.
• Arab dimension: While attempts to undermine the initiative may arise (from Algeria, Qatar, etc.), Morocco’s consistent record of practical action—versus mere rhetoric—underscores the credibility and uniqueness of its approach.
  The key question becomes: Does Morocco possess the political will to act in the grey zone between symbolic support and sovereign humanitarian engagement? Can such action reshape the very meaning of Arab solidarity?
4. The Strategic Impact of Moroccan Action: Reframing Humanitarian Symbolism
  The significance of the Moroccan initiative extends beyond Gaza. At its core, it is a contribution to re-engineering the symbolic landscape of Arab humanitarian aid—transforming political slogans into practical fieldwork, and shifting from symbolic positioning to sovereign, responsible action.
  Is Morocco introducing a new paradigm for Arab actors in times of crisis?
  Moreover, the involvement of the Royal Armed Forces—an institution that embodies professionalism and sovereignty—would send a dual message:
• Domestically: that support for Palestine is not subject to populist agitation or politicization (such as port blockades), but is rooted in the state’s enduring principles.
• Internationally: that Morocco is capable of harmonizing its principled commitments with rational, calculated action—without succumbing to pressure or alignment games.
  The key challenge remains: How can this initiative be guided to avoid being perceived as a geopolitical maneuver? And how can Morocco amplify its influence without falling into symbolic rivalries over humanitarian representation?
  If successful, this Moroccan initiative could reshape the regional perception of humanitarian leadership and create new openings for reviving institutional mechanisms of high symbolic value—most notably the Al-Quds Committee, which has been relatively absent from recent developments in Gaza.
5. Toward Reactivating the Al-Quds Committee: From Absence to Initiative
  This initiative also offers an opportunity to revive the Al-Quds Committee, chaired by King Mohammed VI, which has been largely absent since the start of the latest war. Could Moroccan aid serve as a gateway to repositioning the committee as an effective Arab-Islamic mechanism for protecting sacred sites and supporting Palestinian resilience?
  In other words: Can this challenge become a strategic turning point for transforming the committee from a symbolic body into an operational platform within a broader Moroccan strategy?
• Conclusion: Morocco Between Sovereignty and Moral Responsibility
  Morocco today stands at a unique juncture—a chance to craft a sovereign and humanitarian response to the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, consistent with its balanced foreign policy and historical commitments. If executed with discretion, professionalism, and diplomatic care, this initiative would represent not only an urgent humanitarian act, but also a model of ethical sovereignty in action.
  This is a critical moment—one that demands not merely expressions of support, but a redefinition of what Arab solidarity truly means, in light of a new balance between principles and interests, rhetoric and reality, symbolic gestures and responsible action.

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