Protests in Morocco aim to block a Maersk ship believed to transport F-35 parts to Israel. Authorities prevented pro-Palestine activists from reaching the port, though the protest remained peaceful. Activists express concern over complicity in military actions against Palestinians, and demand the closure of ties with Israel amid ongoing conflict. More protests are planned as opposition grows.

Protests erupted in Morocco as authorities blocked pro-Palestine activists from accessing the Casablanca port, where the Maersk ship is suspected of carrying F-35 fighter jet components to Israel. Demonstrators, holding Palestinian flags, attempted to approach the port but were halted by police at a secondary barricade. Some dockworkers aligned with Morocco’s largest labor unions called for a boycott of the ship, indicating possible disruptions to its operations.

Despite the police presence, the protest remained peaceful, lasting over two hours. The focus was on the Maersk Nexoe, which was reportedly docked in the port, and activists expressed concern over the vessel’s ties to the transshipment of military equipment. Various reports alleged that Maersk facilitated the delivery of critical components to Israel’s Nevatim Air Base, vital for operations over Gaza.

Protesters believe that the ship carries essential equipment for maintaining F-35 aircraft, theorizing that every ten days, one of these jets requires repairs. Activists emphasized the significance of the delivery, suggesting it could strengthen Israel’s military campaign in the ongoing conflict.

While Maersk acknowledged transporting F-35 components, it asserted that the shipment was not intended for Israel. The company did not respond to media queries for clarification. Activists criticized the Moroccan government’s inaction, calling for respect towards public sentiment and urging it to prevent such shipments.

Morocco’s opposition to Israel has intensified since the Gaza conflict began, with weekly demonstrations across major cities. Activists demand the cessation of military and diplomatic relations with Israel, while officials maintain that their engagement does not endorse Israeli policies. The protest is set to move to Tangier on 20 April, coinciding with the docking of the Maersk Detroit, as activists aim to obstruct the shipment’s progress.

In summary, protests in Morocco against the Maersk ship suspected of transporting F-35 components to Israel are indicative of rising public opposition towards the government’s ties with Israel amidst ongoing conflicts. The demonstrations highlight concerns over complicity in military operations affecting Palestinians, and activists are calling for decisive action to sever relations and prevent military shipments. As the situation unfolds, further protests are planned, reinforcing the growing dissent within Moroccan society regarding these issues.

Original Source: www.newarab.com