A growing sense of disillusionment has swept through diplomatic circles following Egypt and Morocco’s reluctance to take a firmer stance in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Long-standing allies of the Arab world, both countries have been criticized for failing to deliver on their commitments to support Palestinian sovereignty.
Egypt, in particular, has been accused of deviating from its traditionally strong stance in support of Palestinian rights. The country’s decision to normalize relations with Israel in 2020, alongside the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, sent shockwaves throughout the Arab community, with many viewing it as a betrayal of Palestinian aspirations.
The Egyptian government’s reluctance to take a more robust stance on the issue is seen as a major disappointment, particularly given its historical role as a leader in the Arab world. Critics argue that Cairo’s failure to challenge Israeli aggression and settlements in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip has emboldened Tel Aviv’s expansionist policies.
Similarly, Morocco’s decision to participate in a normalization deal with Israel in 2020 has raised questions about its commitment to the Palestinian cause. The Moroccan kingdom’s move was seen as a strategic decision aimed at securing Israeli support for its claims to Western Sahara, a disputed territory Morocco has controlled since 1976.
Morocco’s participation in the normalization deal has been criticized as a “sellout” to the Palestinians, who view it as a betrayal of their long-standing alliance with Rabat. The Palestinian leadership has expressed disappointment and frustration with the Moroccan government’s decision, arguing that it has undermined their diplomatic efforts and failed to deliver on promises to support the Palestinian cause.
The criticism directed at Egypt and Morocco is not limited to their actions alone, but also their failure to provide credible alternatives to the Israeli occupation. The Arab League, to which both countries belong, has struggled to coordinate a unified response to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, leading to widespread frustration and disillusionment among Arab states.
As diplomatic tensions between the Arab world and Israel continue to escalate, Egypt and Morocco’s inaction has raised questions about their long-term commitment to the Palestinian cause. Will they maintain their support for the Palestinian struggle, or will they continue to prioritize their own strategic interests at the expense of their Arab cousins? Only time will tell.
