Othmani Rules Out US Reversal in Western Sahara Decision

AFP file photo of Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani
AFP file photo of Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani
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Othmani Rules Out US Reversal in Western Sahara Decision

AFP file photo of Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani
AFP file photo of Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani

Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani has ruled a possible move by US President-elect Joe Biden to reverse President Donald Trump’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

Speaking at the House of Representatives (lower house) on Monday, Othmani pointed out that Trump’s decision was a culmination of years of Moroccan diplomatic efforts.

He explained that the decision was mentioned in the explanatory report of the State Department’s budget and associated programs for the years 2018 and 2019 and issued by the Congress.

The US presidential announcement is “very difficult to reverse through a Congressional law.”

Othmani considered the US decision a “historical development” rather than just a “formal, ceremonial presidential proclamation.”

It was followed by several decisions, including opening a consulate in the Western Sahara territory, in Dakhla, to promote economic and business opportunities for the region, as well as encouraging American investments in the Sahara region.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft sent a copy of Trump’s proclamation recognizing “that the entire Western Sahara territory is part of the Kingdom of Morocco” to UN chief Antonio Guterres and the Security Council earlier in December.

Also, the US adopted a “new official” map of Morocco that includes Western Sahara.

Othmani affirmed that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced opening a virtual consulate in Western Sahara, with a focus on promoting economic and social development, to be followed soon by a fully functioning consulate.

He stressed that these steps reflect the seriousness of the US proclamation and its actual implementation.

The PM noted that the kingdom will increase diplomatic efforts so that other countries join the US decision.



Clerics Accuse West Bank Israeli Settlers of Attacking Christian Sites

Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)
Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)
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Clerics Accuse West Bank Israeli Settlers of Attacking Christian Sites

Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)
Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)

Christian leaders accused Israeli settlers on Monday of attacking sacred sites in the West Bank, in violence that one said was forcing some to consider quitting the occupied territory.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III - visiting the Christian town of Taybeh with other Jerusalem-based clerics - said settlers had started a fire near a cemetery and a 5th century church there last week.

"These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community ... but also to the historic and religious heritage," the patriarch told diplomats and journalists at a press conference in Taybeh.

Settlers had also attacked homes in the area, he said.

"We call for an immediate and transparent investigation on why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished," he added.

Israel's government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Israel's government had previously said that any acts of violence by civilians are unacceptable and that individuals should not take the law into their own hands.

During the visit, the heads of the churches led locals in prayer as candles flickered in the ruins of the 5th century church of St George. They spoke with residents who described their fears.

B'Tselem and other rights groups say settler violence in the West Bank has risen since the start of Israel's war against Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza in late 2023.

Dozens of Israelis have also been killed in Palestinian street attacks in recent years and the Israeli military has intensified raids across the West Bank.

Palestinian health authorities and witnesses said two men, including a US citizen, were killed by settlers during a confrontation on Friday night.

Fears over violence were pushing Christians to leave the West Bank, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Roman Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020, said.

"Unfortunately, the temptation to emigrate is there because of the situation," he added. "This time it's very difficult to see how and when this will finish, and especially for the youth to talk about hope, trust for the future."

Around 50,000 Christian Palestinians live in Jerusalem and in the West Bank, an area that includes many of the faith's most sacred sites including Bethlehem where believers say Jesus was born.

Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 war, which Palestinians see as part of a future state.