Israeli airline company, Arkia, will soon offer direct flights between Israel and the coastal city of Essaouira in Western Morocco. This is the latest development in the growing tourism ties between the two countries, which have been boosted by Israel’s decision to formally recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The agreement to offer direct flights has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that it will legitimize Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara. The United Nations has not recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the territory, and many countries, including the United States, have called for a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
The direct flights are also likely to anger the Palestinians, who have long viewed Morocco as a close ally. In 2020, Morocco was one of the few Arab countries to vote against a UN resolution that called for an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The decision to offer direct flights to Morocco is a further sign of Israel’s growing normalization with Arab countries. In recent years, Israel has signed normalization agreements with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan, and Morocco. These agreements have been welcomed by some, who see them as a way to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. However, others have criticized them, arguing that they reward Israel for its occupation of Palestinian territory.
It remains to be seen how the direct flights to Morocco will impact the situation in Western Sahara. However, it is clear that they will further complicate the already complex political landscape in the region.
Negatives:
- The agreement to offer direct flights has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that it will legitimize Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara.
- The direct flights are also likely to anger the Palestinians, who have long viewed Morocco as a close ally.
- The decision to offer direct flights to Morocco is a further sign of Israel’s growing normalization with Arab countries, which has been welcomed by some but criticized by others.
- It remains to be seen how the direct flights to Morocco will impact the situation in Western Sahara.
