
Moroccan journalist Mohamed El Bakkali released by Israel after Gaza mission arrest
To recap, on Saturday evening, Israeli naval forces intercepted the «Handala» in international waters of the Mediterranean, detaining its passengers, including Mohamed El Bakkali, and transporting them to Israel.
Just hours before his arrest, El Bakkali recorded a video message appealing to Moroccan authorities for intervention should he be detained by the Israeli military.
In Morocco, a coalition of political groups, spanning both left-wing and Islamist factions, demanded Mohamed El Bakkali's release as early as last night.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Morocco World
an hour ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches Housing Campaign for Moroccans Residing Abroad
Rabat — Morocco's Ministry of National Territory Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy has launched a special campaign for Moroccans living abroad as part of the 'Marhaba 2025' operation. To implement the initiative, the ministry specified that it launched a mobile outreach caravan on August 2 in Tangier. Held under the theme 'Urban Planning and Housing at the Service of Moroccans Worldwide,' the caravan is scheduled to land in 10 cities across Morocco's regions until August 31. Royal directives drive initiative The ministry noted that rolling out this national campaign program for 2025 is in line with King Mohammed VI's directives and his special care for Moroccan diaspora members. The campaign follows circular number 7049 that Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri sent to Al Omran Group, urban agencies, and regional and provincial directorates under the ministry. The directive calls for active participation in bringing services closer to citizens and strengthening trust and communication for Moroccans living abroad. Strategic vision centers citizens Ministry officials pointed out that this initiative reflects a strategic vision that places citizens — both inside and outside the country — at the heart of the ministry's focus. The initiative is designed to provide field support and information that allows diaspora members to learn about the missions of the ministry and its programs aimed at providing decent housing, particularly the Direct Housing Support Program. Practical measures improve services The campaign includes several practical measures to improve reception quality and deliver effective public service. Not only did the ministry create reception and guidance spaces at all central and decentralized services and institutions under its authority, but it has also dedicated special windows inside commercial agencies of Al Omran companies and set up reception units at urban agencies and border crossings. Additionally, the ministry is set to organize open days to share insights on its programs, missions, and services, as well as providing detailed explanations about real estate offers related to housing or investment. Digital access and simplified procedures The ministry is adopting a digital aspect as part of its campaign, in order to facilitate diaspora members' access to urban planning data through digital platforms and direct communication. It also simplifies procedures and ensures special support for investment or housing files concerning this category of citizens. Tags: Housinghousing aid programhousing in MoroccoMoroccan MREs


Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
Benjamin Netanyahu Plans Full Occupation of Gaza, Deepening Genocide
Rabat – On Tuesday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with his war cabinet to approve new 'military operations' across the entire Gaza Strip. This comes as Israeli media news reports have claimed that the Prime Minister has decided to fully occupy the enclave. 'The decision has been made', said Amit Sega, the Chief political correspondent with Channel 24, after discussions with unnamed high-ranking members of Netanyahu's office. The source continued, 'Hamas won't release more hostages without total surrender, and we won't surrender. If we don't act now, the hostages will starve to death and Gaza will remain under Hamas control.' During a speech in Jerusalem on Monday, Netanyahu doubled down on his primary goals for the devastating war on Gaza, including the elimination of Hamas. 'We must continue to stand together and fight together to achieve all our war objectives, the death of the enemy, the release of the hostages, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel,' he said. The expected decision to move forward with a full occupation is a dark moment and a troubling escalation of the Genocide. Hamas and Palestinian officials have rejected this plan and condemned the actions of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF). The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the reported plans and called on the International Community to 'intervene urgently to prevent their implementation, whether through a form of pressure, trial balloons to gauge international reaction.' There has been consistently growing international pressure on Israel in recent weeks, particularly after the United Nations reported that thousands could die of starvation and malnutrition. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan on Monday accused the US and other Western Nations of turning a blind eye to Israeli atrocities, as many nations continue to support the actions of the Netanyahu government. This war cabinet is going to be a pivotal moment in the Israeli war of aggression against Palestine and the mass murder of the Palestinian people. Tags: GazaIsraelNetanyahuwar


Morocco World
5 hours ago
- Morocco World
Starvation Death Toll Rises in Gaza as Israel Continues Blockade
Rabat — The inhumane situation in the genocide-torn Gaza is deteriorating as starvation death toll continues to surge. Gaza's Ministry of Health reported the deaths of 8 civilians in the past 24 hours due to malnutrition and famine-related issues, bringing the number to over 188, including 94 children. Due to the Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) blockade on crossing borders since March 2, shortages of food and medical supplies have led to a widespread and staggering starvation catastrophe in Gaza. The IOF adopts an atrocious approach, blocking the entry of food and humanitarian aid to Gaza. Gazans are left with two options: stay and succumb to death or move to distribution points and risk being bombarded. Israel has repeatedly killed Palestinians while seeking food or aid at distribution points, fueling international outcry. Meanwhile, the IOF have intensified their attacks on Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly preparing to move from partial to full occupation of the strip. His war cabinet is considering expanding 'military actions' into central Gaza, including areas where hostages may be held. Meanwhile, former senior Israeli officials — including ex‑Prime Minister Ehud Barak — are urging a halt to attacks, warning that the campaign lacks strategic clarity and may prolong the war unnecessarily. Israel's genocidal and starvation war against innocents in Gaza, and its stubbornness to respond to international calls to halt atrocities in the enclave, are leading to its growing isolation within the international scene. The recent country to join an international chorus condemning Israeli-induced famine in Gaza was Germany. The country's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that Germany has been following the situation and that 'Israel's de facto blockade of the Gaza Strip is causing famine, leading to people dying, suffering, and being left without water.' Another voice is that of the Irish President Michael Higgins. He urged the UN chief to implement Chapter Seven of the UN Charter and invoke powers against Israel over its ongoing genocidal assaults and weaponizing of starvation in Gaza. Given the situation in Gaza, major international powers have decided to recognize the statehood of Palestine during the high-level week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, including France, the UK, and Canada. Tags: gaza genocideGaza starvationIsraelstarvation