Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Tuesday that the Palestinian issue remains an “enduring priority” of the Kingdom’s foreign policy, reflecting what he described as Morocco’s continued commitment to the Palestinian cause and its role in efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Morocco during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Bourita said the Kingdom, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, considers a just and lasting peace to be linked to the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living alongside Israel in peace and security.
Addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Bourita called for respect for the ceasefire agreement and for humanitarian aid and essential supplies to reach the Palestinian population without obstruction or restrictions.
He also stressed the need to support the Palestinian Authority through financial, technical, institutional, humanitarian and training assistance, while backing reforms within its institutions. He highlighted the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in this regard.
Bourita said Morocco’s commitment to peace was also reflected in its decision to join the international stabilization force for the Gaza Strip and contribute to efforts aimed at establishing conditions for peace and security.
According to Bourita, Morocco’s contribution would include training Palestinian police personnel, seconding senior military officers to internal security forces, deploying a field military hospital and preparing a programme to combat extremism.
The minister also raised concerns over developments in the West Bank, including measures affecting the legal status of Palestinian territories and settlement expansion, as well as what he described as increasing attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians.
He warned that such measures risk contributing to displacement and undermining the conditions required for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Bourita also expressed Morocco’s concern over unilateral Israeli measures and what he described as repeated violations targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying such actions contribute to tensions and undermine efforts toward de-escalation.
He further recalled King Mohammed VI’s role as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, saying the King continues efforts to preserve Jerusalem’s historical, cultural and spiritual identity, safeguard its legal status and improve the living conditions of its inhabitants.
These efforts, Bourita said, combine political and diplomatic action with programmes carried out on the ground by the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif Agency, the executive arm of the Al-Quds Committee.
