Beyond extremism: a message from King Mohammed VI
They will better serve this cause, and be more useful to the Palestinian people, if they understand and make it known that extremists harm the search for a two-state solution, undermine any prospect of compromise and fuel violence and mistrust between the parties.
In his speech on last year's Throne Day, His Majesty King Mohammed VI eloquently set out his vision for a just and lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the heart of this speech, a short sentence, laden with meaning and carrying a powerful message, deserves, in my view, special attention: ‘Block the path of extremists wherever they may be’. This concise but powerful statement sums up Morocco's diplomatic philosophy on this issue and outlines a balanced, pragmatic and resolutely peace-oriented approach.
Why is this phrase so important?
First, let us put it in its textual context to better understand its profound meaning. Faced with the worsening situation in the region, HM the King presents a three-dimensional perspective for a definitive solution to this conflict: it consists of imposing a ceasefire in Gaza as an urgent priority, blocking the path of extremists on both sides in order to relaunch negotiations and revive the peace process, and finally, enshrining the dynamics of security and stability within the framework of the two-state solution.
This is a relevant and courageous vision, which does not limit itself to denouncing extremism on one side, but places both religious fundamentalisms, which are blindly leading the Middle East towards a destructive war, on an equal footing. The choice of words in this context is crucial, as it expresses not only the need to oppose all forms of radicalism, whether Israeli or Palestinian, but also the will to neutralise the radical positions of those who play with fire. This essential condition for reviving a credible peace process calls for collective responsibility, as it is up to the international community to halt this senseless march towards new tragedies.
In analysing this statement, it is clear that King Mohammed VI, by pointing to violent extremism on both sides as one of the main factors blocking the peace process, is calling on Moroccan and international public opinion to support moderate voices and isolate those who, through violence or intransigence, are hindering a just and lasting solution.
It should be recalled that Morocco's position, as expressed by King Mohammed VI, is part of a constant and unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause. It is a position that does not vary according to circumstances and is confirmed by the continuity of Moroccan foreign policy, based on justice, solidarity and respect for international law. It is in the context of this continuity that the strategic scope of the royal speech on the Palestinian question must be understood, which can be illustrated by the following key points:
1. A call for an end to hostilities and respect for international law:
The Sovereign insists on the urgency of an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, respect for UN resolutions and the need to put an end to aggression and violations of humanitarian law in the Palestinian territories.
2. A vision of balance and responsibility:
King Mohammed VI adopts a balanced position: he reaffirms Morocco's support for the Palestinian cause and for the two-state solution shared by a large part of the international community, based on the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its capital and Gaza as an integral part of that state. While calling for the resumption of negotiations, he rejects the logic of confrontation or escalation, favouring the path of dialogue and compromise.
3. A clear rejection of extremism on both sides
In declaring that ‘the path of extremists of all kinds must be blocked’, the King explicitly refers both to radical Israeli factions, those who, at the time, favoured Hamas' control of Gaza to prevent the creation of a Palestinian State, who currently reject any compromise and continue with settlement, and to Palestinian extremist groups which promote violence and reject negotiation. His Majesty thus warns against any exploitation of the conflict by actors seeking to block peace.
4. A message to Moroccan public opinion
This speech aims to raise awareness and empower national public opinion, showing that true support for Palestine lies in the search for a lasting political solution, and not in radicalisation or escalation.
5. A call to the international community
The speech is also addressed to the international community, inviting Morocco's partners to support a pragmatic approach, to encourage moderates and to isolate extremists, which is an essential condition for reviving a credible peace process.
6. Courageous and constructive leadership
By adopting this position of condemning all forms of extremism and excluding radical discourse from all sides in order to create a climate conducive to peace, the King is demonstrating strong and courageous leadership, taking the risk of exposing himself to criticism from extremists and defending a realistic and constructive vision. This is a call for reason, responsibility and concerted action, far removed from populist or ideological rhetoric.
King Mohammed VI's speech thus embodies a determined, responsible and courageous vision that calls for a reduction in extremism, a focus on dialogue and the building of a just and lasting peace. This position reinforces Morocco's role as a credible player, mediator and proactive force on the regional and international stage.
More importantly, King Mohammed VI has removed any ambiguity regarding the resumption of relations between Israel and Morocco within the framework of the trilateral agreement with the United States, affirming that this has in no way altered Morocco's position, which remains in solidarity with the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. This position was reiterated in the royal message addressed to the Arab League Summit in Baghdad in May 2025, which proposed priority measures consisting of halting military operations, ending demolitions and forced displacement, maintaining humanitarian aid and ensuring the reconstruction of Gaza under international supervision, thus reaffirming the centrality of the Palestinian cause in Moroccan diplomacy.
In a context where maximalists on both sides and those who reject peace seem to be gaining power, while moderates and those in favour of territorial compromise are perceived as weakened, and in the face of the ambiguities of certain Arab states, divided between pro-Palestinian rhetoric and geopolitical interests, Moroccan diplomacy under the leadership of Mohammed VI is demonstrating remarkable consistency in articulating the defence of its national interests with a vision of solidarity on the international stage, effectively balancing its internal priorities with an active commitment to peace and just causes in the regional and international arena, thus consolidating a balanced and responsible foreign policy.
This strategic vision of King Mohammed VI, with its courage and wisdom, should inspire all political actors and opinion leaders in Morocco in their commitment to the Palestinian cause. They will be better able to serve this cause, and more useful to the Palestinian people, if they manage to understand and make it known that extremists are harming the search for a two-state solution, undermining any prospect of compromise and fuelling violence and mistrust between the parties. On the one hand, the Israeli far right categorically rejects the creation of a Palestinian state and pursues a policy of settlement and annexation of territories, making the solution increasingly unworkable. On the other hand, radical Palestinian groups, with their violent actions and regional loyalties, weaken the Palestinian Authority and discredit the moderate camp in favour of negotiation.
There is no doubt that the extremist dynamic on both sides is blocking dialogue, radicalising societies and pushing away the possibility of a peace based on two states living side by side in security. That is why many international leaders, including King Mohammed VI, are calling for the extremists to be prevented from undermining what remains of the peace process and insist on the need for urgent measures to revive a credible political solution.