Morocco's Controversial Decision to Dock Arms-Linked Vessels Amid Tensions
Morocco has permitted the docking of the Maersk Denver ship at the port of Tangier, a vessel that the Spanish Government had previously denied entry to in Algeciras due to suspicions of transporting weapons bound for Israel. This decision aligns with Spain's ongoing embargo policy against arms shipments to Israel, a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The ship arrived at the Moroccan port on Friday and departed two days later, as reported by El País.
The Maersk Denver's arrival is part of a broader trend; another vessel, the Maersk Seletar, also banned from docking in Algeciras, is scheduled to arrive this week, raising alarm among opposition groups concerned about the implications of such shipments. Critics view these arrivals as evidence of normalizing relations between Morocco and Israel, which were restored in 2020. The Moroccan government's decision to allow these cargo ships to dock has ignited significant debate regarding its foreign policy.
Notably, suspicions around weapon transport are not unfounded. Earlier this year, Spain had barred the Marianne Danica ship that was found to be carrying 268 tons of explosives intended for Israel. However, June saw Morocco permit the Israeli military vessel Komemiyut to dock at the Tangier Med port, provoking protests from the Moroccan Front for Support to Palestine, which accused the government of complicity in alleged genocide.
Maersk, the shipping company in question, asserts that neither the Maersk Denver nor the Maersk Seletar were carrying weapons or military ammunition. They criticize the Spanish authorities for their inconsistent criteria in handling military cargo directed towards or sourced from Israel, despite the legality of such shipments. A press release from the company indicated that they complied with all necessary procedures and provided advance cargo information, and that Algeciras port authorities missed the opportunity to inspect the cargo that was available for review.
The relationship between Morocco and Israel is complex and often contradictory, highlighting deep divisions in Moroccan society. While Rabat frequently issues statements condemning the violence in Gaza and reiterates its commitment to a two-state solution, a series of bilateral agreements with Israel continue to unfold.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel ranks as the third-largest exporter of arms to Morocco, contributing to 11% of the country's military imports. In July, Morocco signed a substantial contract worth around 1 billion euros with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for a state-of-the-art spy satellite. This deal is indicative of the unique military and security cooperation agreement that has developed between Morocco and Israel, a rarity among Arab nations.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the docking of these vessels at Moroccan ports not only raises questions about military engagement but also reflects the broader aspirations and tensions within the Maghreb region.
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