3 Israelis join Marrakesh summit

Summit officials see ‘no reason to object’ Rabat - Manal Wahbi Three Israelis attending the Seventh World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) between June 9-14 in Marrakesh has ignited controversy across Morocco. President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environment Protection Hussein al-Tijani has claimed he sees “no reason to object” to the attendance of three Israeli delegates “who had registered the same way as other participants.” However a Facebook page opposed to naturalising relations with Israel has responded angrily to the news, claiming the Moroccan body has “insulted” the Palestinian resistance. The visit coincides with the anniversary of the Arab-Israeli Six Day War and demolition of the Gate of the Moors in Jerusalem. According to an official document distributed amongst journalists set to cover the conference, 16 Palestinian delegates will join the 1,000 total participants representing around 100 countries worldwide. Last year, Morocco’s Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Justice and Development Party (DJP) stoked controversy by inviting Ofer Bronstein, former prime ministerial adviser to Isaak Rabin, to a party conference. Some analysts claim the DJP will reposition itself as anti-naturalisation following criticism it has adopted hypocritical positions since taking power.