As Israel pounds Lebanon, Moroccans in the country live in fear awaiting an evacuation plan

The Moroccan parliament is ramping up pressure on the government to swiftly facilitate the evacuation of thousands of Moroccan nationals trapped in Lebanon as Israel's indiscriminate and brutal attacks widen.

On 26 September, MP Rachid Hamouni, a member of the opposition Party of Progress and Socialism, called upon Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to outline an evacuation plan for those desperate to return home.

Bourita has yet to address the opposition's request.

Over 3,000 Moroccans in Lebanon are terrified and uncertain about their future as the Israeli bombardment continues into its fourth day, with more than 700 lives lost this week alone, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

Israel claims its strikes are targeting Hezbollah's military capabilities, but multiple international and local organisations are pointing out the toll has been heavily on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including attacks on hospitals, ambulances, journalists, NGO workers, and more. 

"I called the embassy in Beirut, but they said there's no scheduled evacuation yet. I don't know what to do", says Najjat Jajaa, a Moroccan woman living in Beirut.

"They told me they added my name to a list in case there’s an evacuation in the upcoming weeks," says the mother of two.

Local media reports suggest that this list has about 1,500 individuals from the Moroccan community seeking assistance, though the embassy has yet to confirm these figures.

A community gripped by fear

Najjat is particularly concerned about potentially leaving her Lebanese husband behind, a decision she dreads. "I asked the embassy if my husband would be included in any evacuation, but they had no answer."

The Moroccan community in Lebanon largely comprises women married to Lebanese citizens, and their children—many with dual nationality.

As of now, no evacuation efforts have been organised by Morocco, and the embassy has indicated that it is awaiting instructions from the Foreign Ministry.

While some community members have sought refuge in shelters, others have found solace in the homes of fellow Moroccans who connected with their compatriots on Facebook and WhatsApp groups—a space where they share messages like "I am alive" or "I am safe" whenever an Israeli strike hits close to home.

So far, there have been no reported casualties among Moroccans in Lebanon. However, as the wait lengthens and violence intensifies, many are contemplating using their life savings to purchase a one-way ticket back home.

With many airlines suspending flights in and out of Lebanon, securing a ticket from Beirut has become a daunting challenge: high prices and limited seats.

The cost of a single ticket to Casablanca has surged to over $2,700, primarily available through Lebanese, Iraqi, and Middle Eastern carriers.

A price tag Loubna Al-Yamodi, a mother of three living in Chtaura, Bekaa, can't afford.

"I am so scared. I have never witnessed a war before. We are lost, and no one is answering our questions," she lamented, recalling recent heavy airstrikes in her area.

On 23 September, Israeli jets targeted the outskirts of her city, prompting many neighbours to flee toward the Syrian border, a route that, while perilous, seems to be the quickest to safety.

"They told me the road is dangerous, and I have children," she added.

Urgent calls for evacuation

UN officials estimate that thousands of Lebanese and Syrian families have already made this treacherous journey. 

On 24 September, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch expressed unwavering solidarity with Lebanon, underscoring the importance of respecting its territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, he did not address the plight of Moroccans in Lebanon.

The Moroccan Association for Citizenship and Human Rights says the government "is obliged" to protect its citizens abroad.

"We urge the establishment of a crisis response team to address the immediate needs of Moroccans in Lebanon, including humanitarian assistance and safe housing", stated the local group.