King Mohammed VI's Efforts for a Real Palestinian State

King Mohammed VI's efforts to safeguard the foundations of Palestinian statehood were discussed at the World Women's Forum for Peace in Essaouira, which took place from November 12 to 14. The forum's theme was "Bringing Diplomacy and Civil Society Together to Build Peace." Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita outlined the King's vision for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, emphasizing Morocco's commitment to an independent and viable Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The King's initiatives in support of the Palestinian people were praised by Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad and Israeli rabbi and human rights activist Nava Hefetz. Their remarks highlighted Morocco's defense of Palestinian rights and its efforts to keep dialogue open with Israel. This approach was evident when Morocco resumed official contacts with Israel in December 2020, with the King briefing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on his conversation with the US president and reaffirming Morocco's support for Palestinian rights and a negotiated two-state solution.

One result of Morocco's efforts was the agreement to extend operating hours at the King Hussein Bridge crossing between the West Bank and Jordan, secured through Moroccan-US mediation. In April 2023, the crossing began operating around the clock five days a week, expanding travel options for Palestinians. The King identified freedom of movement as essential to Palestinian economic recovery and the viability of a future state.

As chair of the Al-Quds Committee, the King has combined defense of Jerusalem's legal status with work alongside its Palestinian institutions. The Jerusalem Appeal, issued jointly with Pope Francis in Rabat in 2019, called for preserving the city's religious and cultural character and guaranteeing access to places of worship. This effort supports East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital and the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency's work with local institutions and associations.

Morocco and the Netherlands co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in Rabat in May 2025, bringing together representatives of around 50 countries and international organizations. The Palestinian foreign minister welcomed Morocco's hosting of the meeting as part of its efforts to make Palestinian statehood a reality.

Morocco's work on women's participation predates the forum, with the launch of an extension of its National Action Plan to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security in September 2025. The Moroccan Network of Women Peace Mediators helped convene consultations in Rabat, bringing government departments and civil society organizations together to discuss implementation.

In Gaza, Morocco signed an agreement in July 2026 to participate in the International Stabilization Force, with the King's message setting out the political purpose of such stabilization efforts. The goal is to preserve the political and administrative unity of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian National Authority, strengthen that authority, and support reconciliation under the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Key points

• Morocco's commitment to an independent and viable Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
• The King's efforts to advance peace in the region, including the defense of Palestinian rights and dialogue with Israel.
• Morocco's support for women's participation in peace and security efforts, including the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.