Latest from Morocco World
Morocco World
28 minutes ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Global Condemnation After Israel Approves Plan to Occupy Gaza City
Rabat – Reactions from around the world are pouring in after Israel's security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take total military 'control' of Gaza City and lay siege to Hamas fighters. In a statement early Friday, Netanyahu's office said Israeli forces will 'prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones.' The plan also includes five goals: disarming Hamas, returning all captives, demilitarizing Gaza, keeping Israeli security control in the area, and creating a new civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the move, calling it 'a disaster that will lead to many more disasters.' Strong international criticism China said it was 'seriously concerned' and urged Israel to 'immediately cease its dangerous actions,' stressing that 'Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory.' Hamas also condemned the decision as a 'war crime,' accusing Israel of using the term 'control' instead of 'occupation' to avoid legal responsibility for harming civilians. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said the plan 'must be immediately halted,' arguing it goes against the International Court of Justice's ruling that Israel should end its occupation as soon as possible. Turkiye's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the plan and urged the international community and the UN Security Council to act to stop it. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move was 'wrong' and would 'only bring more bloodshed.' Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong also warned Israel 'not to go down this path,' while Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the decision would make it harder to reach a truce and called for a ceasefire instead. Israel has been imposing a full blockade on Gaza for months, cutting off food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. Many Palestinians are dying from malnutrition and starvation, and others are being killed in air strikes or while trying to get humanitarian aid. According to Al Jazeera, at least two people were killed on Thursday at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution site. Far-right Israeli protesters also blocked trucks carrying aid to Gaza for several hours at the Allenby Bridge, which connects the occupied West Bank and Jordan. Tags: GazaIsraelNetanyahuoccupation
Morocco World
an hour ago
- General
- Morocco World
Four Barbary Lion Cubs Born in Czech Zoo, Morocco Leads Reintroduction Efforts
Marrakech – Four Barbary lion cubs were recently born at Dvůr Králové Safari Park in the Czech Republic. The three females and one male cub were seen playing in their outdoor enclosure on Wednesday under the watchful eyes of their parents, Khalila and Bart, according to the Associated Press (AP). The cubs represent a vital contribution to the small surviving population of this rare lion subspecies. As part of an international endangered species program, they will soon be sent to other participating parks, including the Beersheba zoo in Israel. Dvůr Králové Deputy Director Jaroslav Hyjánek told the AP that preliminary steps have been taken for a possible reintroduction of the Barbary lion into its natural habitat. Initial talks with Moroccan authorities have not rejected the idea of reintroduction in one of the Atlas Mountains national parks. 'It's important to have such a vision for any animal,' Hyjánek said to the AP. 'Without it, the existence of zoos wouldn't make sense.' A conference of experts is planned in Morocco for late 2025 or early 2026 to evaluate the feasibility of such a plan. Any reintroduction would face numerous obstacles since the lion has been absent from the environment for decades. Morocco currently hosts the world's largest collection of Barbary lions, with populations varying between 30 and 40 individuals. The Rabat National Zoological Garden announced last October that a Barbary lion cub born in August 2024 would be presented to visitors. Named Azaghar, the male cub was born on July 26, 2024, to 13-year-old mother Massa and 8-year-old father Layt. The birth was the result of a breeding program that began in 2022. Read also: Culture Minister: History Supports Atlas Lions' Centuries-Old Presence in Morocco 'Right after the birth of the Atlas lion cub, there are a number of measures that we undertake immediately,' explained Saad Azizi, head of the veterinary and zoological service at Rabat National Zoo at the time. These include housing arrangements, veterinary examinations, and eventual reintroduction to the group. The cub was initially dependent on his mother's milk but has since been weaned and is eating meat. Since its opening in 2012, the Rabat Zoo has recorded about 18 lion births. The Barbary lion, a majestic member of the Northern lion subspecies, once roamed freely across northern Africa, including the Atlas Mountains. They were almost completely wiped out due to human activities, including being killed by gladiators in Roman times, overhunting, and habitat loss. The last known photo of a wild Barbary lion was taken in 1925, with the last individual killed in 1942. It's believed the last small populations went extinct in the wild by the mid-1960s. Fewer than 200 Barbary lions are currently estimated to live in captivity worldwide. Through its conservation program, the Rabat Zoo aims to maintain a founding population by promoting controlled reproduction and ensuring balanced management. According to the IUCN, Barbary lions are now classified as part of the Panthera leo leo subspecies, which includes lions from West Africa across to northeast Africa and India. While the Barbary lion subpopulation has not been officially assessed as Extinct in the Wild, lions are extinct across their entire North African range. Tags: Barbary lionCzech republic and morocco
Morocco World
an hour ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
CAF Club Ranking: RS Berkane, Wydad, Raja and AS FAR in Top 20
The 2025 CAF Clubs' Ranking was released, revealing a fresh list with new names that reflect the growing competitiveness of African clubs and the shifting power dynamics in continental competitions. Moroccan teams made a strong showing in the top 20, with RS Berkane making history by securing 4th place, just behind Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance de Tunis. After years of dedication, discipline, strong leadership and clear ambition, the Easterners are finally seeing their hard work pay off. CAF Clubs Ranking Wydad, meanwhile, continue to demonstrate their stature. Despite a turbulent period of change, the 'family' has stayed united. The Reds remain in the top 10 — a well-deserved position following an honourable performance at the FIFA Club World Cup. Raja Casablanca sit 16th. Under the guidance of Lassaad Chabbi, they have remained in contention despite difficulties. Their presence in the rankings is a reminder that great teams, even in testing times, never truly disappear. AS FAR complete Morocco's quartet in the top 20, claiming 18th place and further strengthening the country's continental presence. As expected, Al Ahly top the list despite an unpredictable season. The Red Eagles won the Egyptian Premier League after an intense battle with Pyramids FC, claimed the Egyptian Super Cup in October 2024, and put in a respectable performance at the FIFA Club World Cup. Mamelodi Sundowns take second. The South African champions lifted the PSL title and impressed at the Club World Cup, although they fell to Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final. Espérance de Tunis completed the top three after a domestic treble, winning the league, cup and Super Cup. The real headline, however, is the rapid rise of RS Berkane. Wearing their trademark orange, they lifted the Botola Pro for the first time in their history and added another CAF Confederation Cup to their collection, confirming their status as one of Africa's most consistent performers. Pyramids FC also made waves, winning their first CAF Champions League title and signalling that the era of unchallenged dominance by the continent's traditional powerhouses may be over. Tags: AS FARCAFrajaRS Berkanewydad
Morocco World
an hour ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Germany Freezes Gaza-Linked Arms Exports to Israel
Casablanca – In a significant policy shift, Germany has announced the suspension of all arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, citing deepening concerns over the humanitarian toll of Israel's expanding genocidal campaign. Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed the decision on Friday, following Israel's latest move to take full control of Gaza city, a step that has sparked international outrage and fears of further civilian suffering. 'Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,' Merz stated in a press release. Berlin's announcement marks a rare public rebuke of Israel from one of its closest European allies. While reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense and the goal of dismantling Hamas, Merz warned that the scale of the current offensive makes it increasingly difficult to see how these objectives can be achieved without worsening the humanitarian crisis. Germany, traditionally one of Israel's top military partners in Europe, has come under increasing domestic and international pressure to reevaluate its role in the war. From October 2023 to May 2025, Berlin approved arms exports to Israel worth €485 million. Growing discontent among Israel's Western allies The freeze applies to new export licenses and affects equipment deemed usable in the Gaza conflict. Deliveries from previous deals may still proceed, though Merz suggested these could also be paused depending on the intended use. In his statement, Merz called on Israel to ensure 'full access for humanitarian aid' and emphasized its responsibility for the wellbeing of Gaza's civilian population. He also issued a sharp warning against any steps toward the annexation of the occupied West Bank, referencing the Israeli parliament's symbolic vote in July supporting annexation plans. The decision comes as the war in Gaza enters its 22nd month, with over 197 reported deaths from malnutrition alone, according to local health authorities. A UN-backed report has warned that famine is unfolding in the enclave, with aid agencies struggling to reach affected populations. Despite Germany's continued diplomatic support for a hostage release and long-term ceasefire negotiations, the move signals growing discontent among Western partners with Israel's current strategy, particularly as civilian casualties mount and aid access remains severely restricted.
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
David Alaba Repositioned to Midfielder
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso deployed David Alaba in a midfield role during a recent behind-closed-doors friendly against Leganés. Alaba did not start the game, which featured a 4-3-3 formation with Álvaro Carreras making his debut and Dani Carvajal returning from injury as captain. The midfield trio of Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Díaz started the match. Later in the game, Alonso introduced the 33-year-old Alaba in midfield, suggesting a willingness to try new options for the experienced player. Alaba has fallen down the pecking order, becoming the fifth-choice centre-back behind Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, and Raúl Asencio. The move reflects Alaba's determination to adapt and find playing time, drawing on his previous experience in midfield during his Bayern Munich days. It also points to Real Madrid's ongoing search for a replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired last season. While no decision has been made about Alaba's role in competitive matches, the experiment opens up tactical options for Alonso as he prepares for the new season. Real Madrid won the match 4-1 after conceding an early goal to a Leganés youth player. Moroccan youngster Thiago Pitarch, training with the first team, scored in the game. Alonso's starting lineup, featuring key players and new signings, could indicate the side for the upcoming La Liga opener on August 19 against Osasuna. Tags: David AlabaReal MadridXabi Alonso
