Thousands of Moroccans filled the streets of Rabat on Sunday, mourning the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and denouncing Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.
Waving Palestinian flags and wearing the iconic keffiyeh scarf, the demonstrators chanted slogans demanding accountability for Israel’s actions against Palestinians.
“Gaza is strong,” protesters chanted. “Palestine remains strong.”
Haniyeh was killed earlier this week while on an official visit to Tehran, Iran’s capital, where he was attending the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
As they marched toward the Parliament building on Mohammed VI Avenue, protesters held banners proclaiming: “We will resist, and resist, until Palestine triumphs.”
Images of Ismail Haniyeh were displayed throughout the demonstration.
As Israel’s military operations in Gaza enter their eleventh month, the death toll continues to rise, surpassing 39,500, with thousands more injured.
In the wake of Haniyeh’s assassination, Iran has vowed revenge. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel had delivered “crushing blows” to its enemies, citing the elimination of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon just hours before the Tehran strike.
A response from Hezbollah is widely expected. The armed, Iran-backed group has historically retaliated against the killings of its senior members by showering Israel with rockets.
The United States has updated its travel advisory, cautioning citizens against traveling to Lebanon due to “rising tensions.” Likewise, the UK Foreign Secretary has urged nationals to leave the country.
In response to the escalating situation, several airlines have canceled flights to Beirut, while United, Delta, and British Airways are expected to announce the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv.