On Friday evening, a large group of protesters gathered in Casablanca to stop a ship believed to be carrying parts for F-35 fighter jets to Israel. The ship, called the Maersk Nexoe, was docked at the city’s busy port. Protesters believed this ship was helping to send weapons that could be used in the war in Gaza.
Maersk Ship Sparks Widespread Anger in Casablanca
By 7 p.m., people began arriving at Casablanca’s main train station, close to the port. Many were waving Palestinian flags and wearing traditional keffiyehs. They moved together peacefully, chanting that their protest was non-violent. The group quickly passed through one police barricade without trouble.
However, they were stopped at a second checkpoint. This time, police were stationed outside the port’s main gate. Some protesters tried to move forward but were pushed back by security forces. Despite this, the protest remained peaceful and lasted more than two hours.
At the same time, port workers in Casablanca responded to a rare call from two of Morocco’s biggest labor unions. These unions asked dockworkers to refuse to work with the Maersk Nexoe. Some workers listened and stayed away, which could have caused delays to the ship’s operations.
The Casablanca protest is a component of a larger movement. Protests have grown increasingly challenging in recent days in other Moroccan cities, including as Agadir and Meknes. In one case, a university in Meknes was locked down for three days to stop a student protest from happening.
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Alleged F-35 Equipment Transfer Raises Tensions
Many demonstrators think the Maersk Nexoe is involved in shipping F-35 fighter jet parts from the US to Israel. These parts were initially carried onboard the Maersk Detroit, a US-flagged ship, in Houston, according to multiple media sources. Those reports stated that the Maersk Detroit was scheduled to make a port call in Tangier on April 20 and transfer the cargo to the Nexoe for ultimate delivery to Israel.
While these claims have not been confirmed by the Moroccan government or Maersk, they have still caused major concern. A source at Tangier’s main port said that they don’t usually know what is inside the containers that pass through global shipping routes.
Protesters believe that the cargo includes “surface analysers.” These are special tools used to fix damaged F-35 jets. They say that Israel’s air force needs these tools to repair the planes it is using in Gaza. According to those opposing the shipment, these deliveries could help Israel continue its military campaign.
In earlier statements to local media, Maersk confirmed that it does move parts for F-35 aircraft. However, according to the firm, these parts were intended for nations other than Israel. It also said it doesn’t ship weapons or ammunition, although it does carry cargo for the US government. By the time of the protest, Maersk had not responded to new questions about the Nexoe cargo.
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Protesters Demand Action as Opposition Grows
During Friday’s protest, many held signs asking Moroccan authorities to stop the Maersk Nexoe from delivering the suspected military cargo. They warned that allowing the shipment to go ahead would make Morocco part of a conflict that has already led to tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza.
The protesters also showed support for Yemeni groups who have blocked shipping lanes in the Red Sea to stop vessels linked to Israel. Many said they were proud of the Moroccan dockworkers who refused to help the Nexoe.
Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, public anger in Morocco has reached very high levels. Every week, protests have taken place in places including Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca. People have been calling on the government to cut all military and business ties with Israel.
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Back in 2020, Morocco made an agreement to normalize relations with Israel. The United States backed that agreement. But since the Gaza conflict started, many Moroccans have demanded an end to those ties. While Morocco’s leaders have criticized the war and asked for a ceasefire, they have not taken stronger action.
On Sunday, April 20, the protest is expected to continue in the northern city of Tangier. The Maersk Detroit is scheduled to reach the port at that time. Protesters there also hope to stop the shipment, which they believe could be used in the war in Gaza.