In a landmark move, Morocco formalized its participation in the planned International Stabilization Force for Gaza during a ceremony in Rabat, solidifying its role as the first Arab nation to commit troops to the initiative. High-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and defense leaders, gathered alongside Nikolaï Mladenov, the Gaza Peace Council representative, to ratify the agreement.
The defense ministry emphasized that this commitment reflects a shared determination to foster humanitarian and security stability in the war-torn region. Morocco’s contribution will include senior officers, gendarmerie personnel, and police units, alongside the establishment of a mobile military hospital in Gaza.
While the agreement marks a significant step, Morocco’s involvement is not entirely new. The North African kingdom had already pledged in February to provide personnel for the force, with Moroccan officers now stationed at the force’s headquarters in southern Israel, assisting in preparatory operations.
Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo have also pledged support, but Morocco is poised to be the first to deploy troops on the ground. Under the proposed framework, Moroccan forces will play a key role in securing a designated humanitarian zone near Rafah, in southern Gaza, which is slated to house temporary shelters and aid facilities under international protection.
However, deployment timelines remain uncertain. Israel must finalize bilateral agreements with contributing nations to define the legal status of foreign troops in Gaza. Additionally, no start date has been set for the Rafah humanitarian zone, with construction potentially beginning in early 2027.
In the interim, small delegations from participating countries continue preparations from a base in southern Israel. The stabilization force aims to support Gaza’s security transition, but its activation hinges on critical discussions, including Hamas’s disarmament, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of a civilian administration.
