Morocco Hosts Hamas Leader, Sparks Speculation on Middle East Mediation Role

It was the PJD that gave the information in a press release, specifying that the visit was made at the invitation of Saad Eddine El Othmani, secretary general of the party and head of government. But the visit is not just part of the party’s activities, writes le Collimateur. It also had an official character. The proof is that the Hamas leader, in speaking, first paid tribute to King Mohammed VI and announced that this visit is taking place under the aegis of the Sovereign.

Moreover, the Hamas delegation had several meetings with Moroccan officials and politicians, including the presidents of the two houses of parliament and the leaders of political parties. In short, the visit of the Hamas leader aimed to engage Morocco’s mediation between Hamas and Israel. It should be remembered that Ismail Haniyeh had sharply criticized the resumption in December of relations between Morocco and Israel.

To read: Hamas Condemns Morocco-Israel Diplomatic Deal as ’Great Disappointment’

This unexpected trip by the Hamas leaders would therefore be explained by the fact that Morocco has always supported the Palestinian cause with the blessing of King Mohammed VI, president of the Al Quds Committee, who had stated on the occasion of the resumption of relations with Israel that "the two-state solution and negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli parties are the only way to achieve a definitive, lasting and comprehensive solution to this conflict". The Sovereign reiterated this position in his congratulatory message to the new Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett.

It should be noted that King Mohammed VI hosted a dinner for the delegation of the Hamas political bureau. In addition, Ismail Haniyeh is said to have also had a session with the head of the DGED, Yassine El Mansouri, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita. All these signs seem to confirm a Moroccan mediation, advances the same source.