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The Democrats Declare Opposition to Israeli Annexation Plan

Palestinian flags being waved in Khan Yunis in opposition to annexation - AAWSAT AR
Palestinian flags being waved in Khan Yunis in opposition to annexation - AAWSAT AR
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The Democrats Declare Opposition to Israeli Annexation Plan

Palestinian flags being waved in Khan Yunis in opposition to annexation - AAWSAT AR
Palestinian flags being waved in Khan Yunis in opposition to annexation - AAWSAT AR

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) approved the first draft of the party’s official platform, which underwent a preliminary vote in a hearing on Wednesday and is set to be unveiled to public next month.

In the draft, which has been seen by Asharq Al-Awsat, the Democrats expressed their opposition to any unilateral actions by Israelis or Palestinians that could threaten the two-state solution. They also expressed opposition to Israel’s annexation plan.

“We support a negotiated two-state solution that ensures Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state with recognized borders and upholds the right of Palestinians to live in freedom and security in a viable state of their own. Democrats oppose any unilateral steps by either side — including annexation — that undermine prospects for two states,” it read.

The committee, composed of 15 members, also refused to use the word “occupation” to describe annexation in the draft, which had been pushed for by Josh Orton, a member of the committee and senior adviser for Vermont Senator Bernie.

“Bottom line: The fact that Palestinians live under occupation is not a matter of serious dispute,” said Josh Orton.

“It’s important to acknowledge this, because people living under occupation are afforded certain rights, and those rights must be upheld and protected.”

He added that “a growing and just movement within our party believes that US aid should not be used to facilitate annexation and violate Palestinian rights.”

However, despite progressives’ efforts to include the word “occupation” in the party’s platform, the language used in the draft was more in line with Joe Biden’s campaign.

The platform also expresses its support for Jerusalem remaining the capital of Israel.

“We believe that while Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations, it should remain the capital of Israel, an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.”

It should be noted that the committee will continue to edit the draft until July 27, when the final draft will be voted on. The platform outlining the party’s plans will be officially released at the Democratic National Convention on the 7th of August.

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Deadly Floods Bring Relief to Moroccan Farmers

Residents walk on a flooded street in Morocco's Ouarzazate city on September 7, 2024. (AFP)
Residents walk on a flooded street in Morocco's Ouarzazate city on September 7, 2024. (AFP)
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Deadly Floods Bring Relief to Moroccan Farmers

Residents walk on a flooded street in Morocco's Ouarzazate city on September 7, 2024. (AFP)
Residents walk on a flooded street in Morocco's Ouarzazate city on September 7, 2024. (AFP)

When powerful thunderstorms hit Morocco's arid south, they brought deadly floods but also provided some relief to farmers as the country grapples with its worst drought in nearly 40 years.

The torrential rains at the weekend triggered floods that killed at least 18 people in areas of southern Morocco that straddle the Sahara desert.

While the rain was devastating in part, it also brought some relief to farmers growing crops like almonds, dates and cereals.

"These rains will bring a breath of fresh air" to the south, said agronomist Mohamed Taher Srairi.

"But it has not rained elsewhere, and the country remains under a heavy structural drought."

The unusual rainfall resulted from a tropical air mass shifting northward, according to Lhoussaine Youabd, spokesman for Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology.

Experts say climate change is making extreme weather, such as storms and droughts, more frequent and intense.

Morocco is one of the world's most water-stressed nations, with frequent droughts affecting a third of the population employed in agriculture.

Near areas of the northwest African country lashed by the weekend's rain, water levels in dams have risen and groundwater is expected to replenish.

The four Draa Oued Noun dams, which supply areas impacted by the floods in the Ouarzazate region, saw water levels increase by 19 percent to 191 million cubic meters, according to Youssef Ben Hamou, director of the agency managing the barrages.

The region of Ouarzazate, located in Morocco's south, sits between the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara.

Water levels of the large Ouarzazate dam climbed to 69 million cubic meters, roughly 70 percent of its capacity, while levels at the Fask dam rose by 10 million cubic meters in just 24 hours.

- Rains bring hope -

"The rains have proved to be a boon for the region, because these reserves will be able to ensure drinking water supply which remains a priority," said Ben Hamou.

Mohamed Jalil, a water resources consultant, said the downpours would help to replenish soil saturation levels, although that usually requires rainfall over time after a long drought.

"This will bring respite to the oases, particularly for agriculture," he said.

The psychological impact of the long-awaited rains was also significant, he said, especially after a harsh, dry summer.

The massive rainfall had "brought hope" to the drought-hit area, he said.

The Moroccan government has pledged financial aid to the flooded areas.

During a visit to Ouarzazate this week, Agriculture Minister Mohammed Sadiki announced the allocation of $4.1 million to repair damaged infrastructure, support agriculture and help those affected by the floods.

Although no further downpours are expected in the immediate future, climatologists warn that Morocco must better prepare for weather disasters driven by global warming.

Moroccans should be ready "for new phenomena whose frequency and violence are unknown, given the effects of climate change", said Mohamed Said Karrouk, a climatology professor at Hassan II University in Casablanca.