On the sidelines of the High-Level Retreat on the Future of Euro-Mediterranean Relations, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and the new European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, said Thursday in Rabat that lasting regional peace depends on a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, reaffirmed the two-state solution between Palestine and Israel as the foundation for lasting peace in the region. Bourita received the European official on Thursday in Rabat, during her first official visit since her appointment. Earlier in the day, the two co-chaired the inaugural session of the High-Level Retreat on the Future of Euro-Mediterranean Relations. At a press conference on the sidelines of the event, the situation in Gaza featured prominently. Bourita said that Israel's actions against Palestinian civilians, the displaced, and the use of famine as a weapon amounted to «a major challenge to international law and regional stability». «These are actions rejected by Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, President of the Al Quds Committee. We condemn them and consider them a threat not only to the stability of the region but also to international security», he said. The minister stressed that the situation represented «a flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and UN Security Council resolutions», as well as an affront to the founding principles of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 64,718 civilians have been killed and 163,859 injured in Gaza since October 7, 2023. A Challenge for International Law Bourita warned that the situation in Gaza had reached «a stage that challenges not only international law and humanitarian law but also human conscience, international institutions, and permanent members» of the Security Council. «It is an unprecedented challenge for international institutions and international law as it stands today», he said, adding that Morocco's position remained «clear». «Morocco strongly condemns and categorically rejects the outrageous statements made against the Palestinians of Gaza regarding their displacement. It is not only a violation of international and humanitarian law but also of the foundations of stability, which threatens neighboring countries as well», Bourita continued. He also underlined «the danger of statements on the occupation of the Gaza Strip», which undermine the two-state solution. The minister further warned that violence and threats in Al-Quds risk turning the issue «from a political question to a religious problem». Noting that the holy city «has always been a symbol of coexistence», he said that attacking it would only «exacerbate hatred and extremism, with unpredictable consequences». Bourita also condemned «attacks against neighboring countries, such as Syria and Qatar». In response to recent Israeli bombings, Rabat supported the convening of an extraordinary Arab summit, stressing that «the current situation is extremely dangerous and calls for firmness from the international community and the Security Council». More Firmness to Enforce Peace Bourita reiterated that «peace as a strategic solution» requires the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Al-Quds as its capital. «Without a Palestinian state, there can be no lasting peace in the region», he argued. Echoing this view, Šuica underlined the European Commission's «firm position.» «President Ursula von der Leyen made a statement yesterday, reminding us that we are firmly convinced that a two-state solution is the only solution between Palestine and Israel. For us, peace is therefore the only option. Without saying more, we naturally reject any violation of humanitarian law and international law», she said. On her first official visit, Šuica also highlighted Morocco's role as a key regional partner. «We already have very strong ties, and we want to deepen them in different sectors», she said, describing the Kingdom as «a model, particularly as a bridge to Africa». She added that the Mediterranean Pact should serve as a framework for future regional cooperation. Bourita, for his part, recalled that the High-Level Retreat on the Future of Euro-Mediterranean Relations was intended to provide «a frank and informal dialogue». He described it as «a contribution to the broader reflection» taking place as the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process approaches. «This event also comes at a time when our region is facing major challenges, including in terms of security and health, particularly in light of the situation in Gaza», Bourita said.
