Moroccan Journalist Mohamed el Bakkali Released by Israeli Authorities,Praises Diplomatic Support
Mohamed el Bakkali,a Moroccan journalist for Al Jazeera,was released by Israeli authorities on July 27th following the interception of the humanitarian ship “Handala” en route to Gaza. Upon his return to Morocco,el Bakkali expressed his profound gratitude for the swift and dedicated assistance provided by the Moroccan liaison office in Tel Aviv.
El Bakkali recounted his experience, stating, “As soon as I arrived in Israel, I found the head of the Moroccan mission in Tel Aviv, Abdelrrahim Bayoud, who was waiting for me, accompanied by the Consula, Mrs. Khadija.” He emphasized the remarkable presence of Moroccan diplomats compared to those representing other nationalities aboard the “Handala,” which was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in the Mediterranean on July 26th.”I say it in all sincerity. I thank them, as well as the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for this position,” el Bakkali added.
Previously, el Bakkali had made a public video appeal to the Moroccan goverment requesting his release. The interception of the “Handala” had prompted widespread calls for Moroccan diplomatic intervention on behalf of the Al Jazeera journalist.
