Regional observers believe Morocco’s active engagement with Israel could play a decisive role in resolving the issue of Palestinian funds frozen by Tel Aviv.
Once again, Morocco is demonstrating its diplomatic commitment to the Palestinian cause. On Monday, February 10, Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and Minister of Civil Affairs, publicly praised the kingdom’s efforts to secure the release of the withheld funds.
Using social media platform X, the senior Palestinian official expressed his “gratitude and deep appreciation” to King Mohammed VI and the “pillars of the Moroccan state” for their “constant and sustained” efforts in this highly sensitive matter.
According to well-informed diplomatic sources, Rabat has recently initiated discreet talks with Israeli officials to explore ways of gradually releasing the funds owed to the Palestinian Authority. These funds, comprising customs duties collected by Israel under existing economic agreements, have been withheld as a punitive measure against the Palestinian leadership due to its political stance on recent events.
This initiative aligns with Morocco’s long-standing role as a staunch defender of the Palestinian cause—an engagement repeatedly reaffirmed by King Mohammed VI, who chairs the Al-Quds Committee. Through diplomatic interventions and humanitarian initiatives, the Moroccan monarch has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights.
The freezing of these funds has triggered an unprecedented financial crisis in the Palestinian territories, severely impacting essential public services, including the payment of civil servant salaries and the funding of healthcare and education infrastructure. Without swift and effective intervention, the already fragile situation could deteriorate further.
As a nation maintaining balanced diplomatic ties with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities, Morocco is uniquely positioned as a mediator. Rabat has consistently called for a sustainable political solution based on peaceful coexistence and respect for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
MK/te/sf/lb/as/APA