The movement, which launched an urgent call for the relaunch of the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis against the backdrop of the escalation of violence currently experiencing the region, underlined the role of Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to support international efforts to achieve the two-state solution, during a meeting with the ambassador of His Majesty the King in Paris, Samira Sitail, the day after the launch of her “Paris Appeal for peace”.
“Morocco’s position is a position of responsibility and real solidarity. It is an approach which, for us, is the most pragmatic and the most concrete to move things forward in the region”, affirmed, in a statement to MAP, Hanna Assouline, president and co-founder of the association Les Guerrières de la Paix, recalling that “Morocco was the first country to send the largest humanitarian aid to Gaza”.
The meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the Moroccan embassy in Paris, was punctuated by moving testimonies on the situation of civilians victims of the escalation of violence in the region, following the war in Gaza.
Created in France in the wake of the World Peace Forum which was held a year and a half ago in Essaouira, the movement “Les Guerrières de la Paix” is “a group of women of all origins, but whose core hard is made up of Jewish and Muslim women who are united against all forms of hatred and division,” said Ms. Assouline.
This is particularly the case of Rabbi Nava Hefetz, “an activist for peace and human rights for decades”.
She said she was convinced of Morocco’s ability to contribute to “reviving the dying peace process.”
“Morocco has a very important role to play on this issue,” she stressed, recalling the Kingdom’s constant commitment to peace in the region.
For her part, Tahhani Abu Daqqa, former Minister of Sports of the Palestinian Authority, praised Morocco’s “positive positions”, wishing to see the Kingdom host a conference on peace to make the voice of civil society heard.
At the end of her discussions with “Les Guerrières de la Paix”, Ms. Sitail said she was attentive to the call for peace launched by this movement carrying “a third voice”, assuring its promoters of Morocco’s support as a stakeholder in the search for a lasting peace solution in the region.
“It is a third voice when the extremes and the hatred, on both sides, have left us no hope that we will obtain an immediate ceasefire, so that the civilian populations can be protected, so that humanitarian aid can be delivered, so that we can get this two-state solution on the table as soon as possible,” she noted in a statement to MAP.
And to add that “this 3rd voice which is being heard, that of peace activists, Palestinian and Israeli, from civil society, who have all lost loved ones, symbolizes today this hope that there are possibilities of peace and may we see this peace in our lifetime.
“It is important that this 3rd voice can be heard. Morocco supports this 3rd voice. It is the voice of peace, reason, the future and stability in this region of the world which we care so much about. heart,” she concluded.
What is the “Paris Appeal for Peace” and how does it aim to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Time.news Interview
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Good afternoon, Hanna Assouline. Thank you for joining us today. I’d like to discuss the recent developments regarding peace efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian context, particularly your organization’s “Paris Appeal for Peace.” Can you elaborate on the motivation behind this initiative?
Hanna Assouline: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The ”Paris Appeal for Peace” was born out of a deep concern for the escalating violence we are witnessing in the region. Our movement, Les Guerrières de la Paix, emphasizes the urgent need to rekindle dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis. We believe that Morocco, under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, plays a pivotal role in this process. Their history of support for humanitarian initiatives, particularly towards Gaza, sets a positive example.
Interviewer: You mentioned Morocco’s humanitarian efforts. Could you elaborate on how these humanitarian actions complement the push for a two-state solution?
Hanna Assouline: Absolutely. Morocco was the first country to mobilize significant humanitarian aid to Gaza during this crisis. This action isn’t merely charity; it symbolizes solidarity and a commitment to alleviating human suffering. By addressing immediate needs, Morocco reinforces its position as a responsible intermediary, fostering an environment conducive to dialogue and ultimately, to a lasting two-state solution.
Interviewer: That’s a compelling point. How does your organization, comprised mainly of Jewish and Muslim women, navigate the complexities of this conflict, especially given the diverse backgrounds and perspectives within your group?
Hanna Assouline: It’s a challenge, but also a strength. The core of our movement features Jewish and Muslim women united against hatred and division. We believe that our shared humanity transcends religious and ethnic differences. Our diverse backgrounds allow us to facilitate authentic conversations, focusing on our common goals: peace, understanding, and respecting the rights of both peoples.
Interviewer: You held a meeting at the Moroccan embassy in Paris that included moving testimonies from civilians affected by the violence. Could you share some insights from those discussions?
Hanna Assouline: Certainly. The testimonies were powerful reminders of the human cost of this conflict. Civilians, including women and children, bear the brunt of the violence, and their stories highlighted the urgent need for empathy and action. It reinforced our belief that peace is not just a political necessity but a moral imperative. The voices of those affected must be at the forefront of any peace initiative.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned Rabbi Nava Hefetz and her long-standing activism for peace and human rights. How do leaders like her contribute to the mission of your organization?
Hanna Assouline: Leaders like Rabbi Hefetz bring invaluable experience and credibility to our movement. Her decades-long commitment to human rights enhances our efforts to build bridges between communities. We look to her not just for guidance, but also as an example of how individuals can effect change through persistent advocacy and compassion.
Interviewer: As we look ahead, what do you see as the most significant steps needed to revitalize the peace process?
Hanna Assouline: We believe that focusing on humanitarian efforts is paramount, coupled with diplomatic engagement that includes all stakeholders—local and international. Morocco’s role as a mediator can help create a more favorable atmosphere for dialogue. Additionally, grassroots movements like ours need support to elevate voices that prioritize coexistence and understanding. Only then can we hope to reignite a meaningful peace process.
Interviewer: Thank you, Hanna. Your insights are not only invaluable but ignite a sense of hope amidst a challenging situation. We appreciate your time and dedication to this crucial cause.
Hanna Assouline: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the dialogue open and to remain committed to our shared pursuit of peace.