Morocco: Face Masks Made Compulsory in Public

Morocco: Face Masks Made Compulsory in Public
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Morocco: Face Masks Made Compulsory in Public

Morocco: Face Masks Made Compulsory in Public

Moroccan authorities said that people who leave their homes without wearing face masks risk facing a prison sentence and a fine. But a large number of Moroccans were unable to secure the mandatory masks as they were sold out around the country.

On social media, many expressed that they were unable to purchase masks and that they preferred not to leave their homes. Local traders reported that they had received limited quantities that ran out quickly.

Authorities said the face masks would be sold at the subsidized price of $0.08 each in order to maximize the number of people who have access to them.

Despite the price set by authorities, many people who resorted to local pharmacies found that prices of face masks varied according to quality.

Prime Minister Saad-Eddine El Othmani reassured citizens that factories will produce approximately 2.5 million masks daily.

In a cabinet meeting, Othmani said that many small and medium enterprises submitted proposals for production and distribution that the government adopted and supported to meet the needs of the country.

Mohammed Abdennabaoui, president of the Prosecutor General's Office, directed the judiciary to work on strictly implementing the law when it comes to punishing those who violate orders to wear face masks in public.

Those who do not abide by the policy will face prison sentences of up to three months and fines of 1300 dirhams (USD 127).

Morocco is currently under a month-long lockdown in which movement is restricted domestically. Moroccans are only permitted to leave their homes to shop for food and medicine, or to go to work with the required permits issued by authorities.

More so, the Moroccan Ministry of Health issued a set of directions that citizens must adhere to when wearing masks.

The issued recommendations must be taken into consideration in order to properly use face masks, in addition to washing hands with soap and water, or an alcohol-based antiseptic.



‘No One Dares’ … First Palestinian Response to Israeli Plan to Separate Hebron from PA

Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
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‘No One Dares’ … First Palestinian Response to Israeli Plan to Separate Hebron from PA

Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)

A report published by The Wall Street Journal, and promoted by Israeli media on Sunday, has renewed focus on an Israeli plan dating back more than 60 years aimed at pushing for the creation of “emirates” or entities independent from the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The report focused on the Palestinian city of Hebron, and cited what it claimed were “21 tribal elders from Hebron,” who allegedly sent a letter in Hebrew to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for negotiations with them to join the Abraham Accords and consequently abandon the “two-state solution,” which Palestinians rely on to establish their state.

However, a Palestinian security source, in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, said: “What is happening is yet another Israeli attempt to weaken the Palestinian Authority.”

“This is a failed plan,” he said: “No one here would dare take this step and say: I am the spy... I am the alternative to the Authority ... Those who tried that are known and represent no one.”

Reportedly, the elders included a detailed proposed timetable for talks to join the Abraham Accords and for “a fair and decent arrangement that would replace the Oslo Accords, which only brought damage, death, economic disaster and destruction.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, the initiative was helmed by Wadee al-Jaabari, who local city residents and its political leadership claim is unknown to them, and backed by "four other leading Hebron sheikhs.”

Palestinian city residents, including Jaabari's extended family members, condemned the proposal, saying that its authors do not represent them.

Israeli sources said that Economy Minister Nir Barkat stands behind the letter, which was allegedly sent to him. Barkat met at his home with al-Jaabari and the other sheikhs; he has held more than 12 meetings with them since February, The Wall Street Journal said. They asked him to forward the letter to Netanyahu and are now waiting for his response.

The sheikhs reportedly proposed that Israel grant work permits to 1,000 workers from Hebron on a trial basis, and then extend this to another 5,000.

According to Maariv newspaper, the Israeli government is “seeking to promote this plan to destroy the Palestinian Authority and the establishment of a Palestinian state.”