Othmani Rejects 'Betrayal' Accusations Following Deal with Israel

Morocco's Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani poses a picture during an interview with Reuters in Rabat, Morocco November 17, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed ElJechtimi
Morocco's Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani poses a picture during an interview with Reuters in Rabat, Morocco November 17, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed ElJechtimi
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Othmani Rejects 'Betrayal' Accusations Following Deal with Israel

Morocco's Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani poses a picture during an interview with Reuters in Rabat, Morocco November 17, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed ElJechtimi
Morocco's Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani poses a picture during an interview with Reuters in Rabat, Morocco November 17, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed ElJechtimi

Morocco’s Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani has denounced statements accusing him of “betraying” the Palestinian cause, after Morocco signed the joint declaration with the US and Israel on Dec. 22.

Speaking during a virtual meeting with the Justice and Development Party, Othmani said that he accepts the criticism, however, rejects any questioning of the party's position and that of Morocco, regarding the Palestinian cause.

He asserted that there are no compromises when it comes to the Palestinian cause, as well as the Sahara issue.

While assuming his responsibility in formalizing normalization with Israel, Othmani brushed off all allegations accusing the party and Morocco of “betraying” the Palestinians.

“I am surprised by those who attack the party, accusing it of changing its position. We reject the attacks and any questioning of the party's position and Morocco's position regarding the struggle of the Palestinian people,” he stressed.

He also stressed that he still rejects the violations committed by the occupation against Palestinians and the settlements activities, stressing support to the demands of the Palestinians’ right to return to their country.

Commenting on the deal to resume ties with Israel, Othmani said that the foreign policy of Morocco is determined by the King.

“As head of the government, I have responsibilities. What I did (signing the Declaration of December 22) was as head of the Moroccan government. As Abdelilah Benkirane said, the second personality of the State cannot contradict the first personality of the State», Othmani said.



Macron Tells Abbas 'Palestinian Governance' Needed in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not seen) in Beirut, Lebanon, 17 January 2025. (EPA)
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not seen) in Beirut, Lebanon, 17 January 2025. (EPA)
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Macron Tells Abbas 'Palestinian Governance' Needed in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not seen) in Beirut, Lebanon, 17 January 2025. (EPA)
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not seen) in Beirut, Lebanon, 17 January 2025. (EPA)

French President Emmanuel Macron has told Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas that a return to Palestinian governance was needed in Gaza after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Macron's office said on Sunday.

In a phone conversation Saturday, Macron said this should "fully incorporate the Palestinian Authority" and that Gaza's future should be aimed at the creation of a Palestinian state, while ensuring that "no massacre, like the one perpetrated on October 7 (2023), can ever be committed against the Israeli people again", the Elysee said.

It is "now essential to immediately work to respond to the Gazans' vital urgent needs, to ensure the delivery of massive humanitarian aid, at the level of the residents' needs", the Elysee added.