Morocco Supports All Constructive Initiatives to Achieve Effective Ceasefire, Address Humanitarian Situation in Palestinian Territories – HM the King

The Kingdom of Morocco supports all constructive initiatives aimed at finding practical solutions to achieve a permanent and effective ceasefire, and address the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, His Majesty King Mohammed VI stressed. By using its influence as well as its special relationship with the parties concerned and with the influential international powers, Morocco will “keep up its unstinting, customary efforts to bring about conditions conducive to a return to the negotiating table. That is the only way to put a final end to the conflict and achieve security and stability in the Middle East region,” the Sovereign said in a message to the Chairman of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Cheikh Niang, on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, celebrated on November 26 this year. HM the King added that, in light of these difficult and unacceptable circumstances from a human, legal and moral standpoint, and consistent with its usual policy in various regional and international forums, the Kingdom of Morocco reiterates the need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and for an end be put to the repeated attacks on the defenceless inhabitants of the West Bank and al-Qods. The Kingdom, which also reiterates the need to make sure that civilians are protected, that they are not targeted and that there is no further bloodshed in the entire Palestinian territories, insists on the need to open all crossings immediately, permanently and unconditionally, without any restrictions, so as to ensure the unhindered flow, in sufficient quantities, of humanitarian and relief aid as well as medical supplies to meet the basic needs of the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip and the other Palestinian territories. Morocco, the Sovereign added, reaffirms the need to preserve, strengthen and support the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), to reject any displacement of Palestinian citizens and ensure full compliance with international law and international humanitarian law and to start serious, meaningful negotiations to revive the peace process, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and international legitimacy. HM the King recalled that as Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) al-Quds Committee, the Sovereign has personally seen to it that all possible efforts are made, and all ways and means available leveraged to preserve the legal, historical and demographic status of al-Qods as the city that brings together the followers of the three monotheistic religions. HM the King reaffirmed, in this regard, that the Kingdom of Morocco will keep up its untiring efforts to defend the holy city, politically and diplomatically, adding that as the executive, action-oriented organ of the al-Quds Committee, the Bayt Mal al-Qods Agency “will continue to implement tangible programs and projects essentially designed to preserve the cultural identity of the holy city, improve the social and living conditions of the inhabitants of al-Qods, and support their steadfastness.” Underlining the humanitarian calamity befalling the population of Gaza, the Sovereign recalled having “on three occasions, ordered the dispatching of urgent medical and humanitarian aid to the Strip.”  Delivered using an unprecedented crossing, the special aid included equipment for treating burns, surgical and emergency supplies as well as basic medicines, at a moment when the medical sector in Gaza is in a state of near collapse due to the scarcity of medical supplies and medicines, HM the King said. “The efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom of Morocco to support the cause of Palestinians attest to a continuous, genuine commitment backed by tangible measures on the ground that are appreciated and praised by the Palestinian people and their leadership,” the Sovereign stated, reaffirming His full support” to the Palestinian National Authority, under the leadership of my brother, His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, as it seeks to fulfil the aspirations of our Palestinian brothers and sisters to gain freedom and independence, and achieve security, unity and prosperity.”