Two Moroccan Opposition Parties Call for Confronting ‘Government Dominance’

Idris Lachkar and Nabil Benabdallah during the signing of the joint political statement. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Idris Lachkar and Nabil Benabdallah during the signing of the joint political statement. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
20

Two Moroccan Opposition Parties Call for Confronting ‘Government Dominance’

Idris Lachkar and Nabil Benabdallah during the signing of the joint political statement. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Idris Lachkar and Nabil Benabdallah during the signing of the joint political statement. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Two Moroccan opposition parties, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces and the Party of Progress and Socialism, have called for confronting “the numerical dominance of the government”.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, they urged the formation of a national front and the emergence of a civilian movement.

The statement was issued following a meeting on Friday between Idris Lachkar, General Secretary of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces, and Nabil Benabdallah, General Secretary of the Party of Progress and Socialism in Rabat.

A joint committee was established for coordination between both parties.

Moreover, the political bureaus of these parties held a consultive meeting.

The institutions have lost the necessary balance to achieve democracy and development following the 2021 elections that were overwhelmed by corrupt practices, according to the statement.

The parties stressed that the national front should be tasked with inserting a new spirit into politics in order to restore the status of political and partisan activity, reconcile citizens with public affairs, restore confidence in political, institutional, and electoral work, and provide decent conditions for political competence and intact elections.

They highlighted that the current economic and social challenges are an opportunity to carry out reforms, further expressing willingness to perform their institutional and public tasks in a committed and patriotic manner in all sectors.



Israeli Army Prepares ‘Final Escalation’ in Gaza

Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on a school run by UNRWA in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Friday (AFP)
Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on a school run by UNRWA in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Friday (AFP)
TT
20

Israeli Army Prepares ‘Final Escalation’ in Gaza

Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on a school run by UNRWA in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Friday (AFP)
Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on a school run by UNRWA in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on Friday (AFP)

As US President Donald Trump advances a plan to end the war in Gaza as part of a broader Middle East strategy, Israeli polls show that 61% of Israelis support halting the fighting in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Despite this, military sources in Tel Aviv revealed that the Israeli army, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval, is preparing a large-scale campaign dubbed the “Final Escalation.”

The goal is to inflict maximum damage on Hamas’s remaining capabilities and prevent the group from claiming victory.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the army will redeploy the Fifth Division, which was previously withdrawn to confront Iran. Asked whether this escalation could complicate negotiations and harden Hamas’s stance, officials said such decisions rest with the political leadership.

Meanwhile, Hebrew media outlets reported that Trump is pressing ahead with what has been called a “grand bargain,” involving ending the war, securing hostage releases, and expanding normalization agreements with Arab states. Reports indicate Netanyahu is planning a visit to the US to meet Trump, following intense talks between Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said: “Victory opens the chance to significantly expand peace agreements alongside the release of our hostages. This opportunity must not be missed.”

Israeli Channel 13 quoted officials describing “dramatic moves” underway in the region. American sources told Yedioth Ahronoth that efforts to reach a breakthrough in the hostage talks have gained momentum since the attack on Iran. Israeli officials said Netanyahu wants any agreement finalized at the highest levels, rather than sending delegations to Cairo or Doha.

The emerging proposal reportedly includes ending the war, returning 50 Israeli hostages, and broadening the Abraham Accords. According to Channel 12, families of the hostages have received messages from senior US officials that a comprehensive agreement is being pursued to end the conflict.

Israel Hayom reported that a four-way call took place after the US strike on Iranian facilities, involving Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu, and Dermer. Sources described them as “extremely euphoric,” eager to advance further steps.

Although Netanyahu’s office declined to comment, his ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir warned against any negotiations on a Palestinian state, prompting Netanyahu to issue a statement denying any such discussions or the reported call.