Morocco is officially contributing troops to an international stabilization force deploying to Gaza, according to statements released by President Trump’s Board of Peace. The commitment, confirmed by Moroccan officials, positions Rabat as a key operational partner in the US-brokered plan for post-conflict Gaza.
The Board of Peace, established last month, aims to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. Several Western nations, including the UK, Canada, France, and Germany, have declined to join the organization, expressing concerns it may be intended to supplant the United Nations. President Trump, however, stated at the board’s inaugural meeting in Washington that his administration intends to collaborate closely with the UN, seeking to “bring them back” into the process.
The current phase of the plan, stemming from a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025, calls for the complete demilitarization of Gaza and the establishment of a technocratic committee reporting to the Board of Peace. Israel has stated it will not permit reconstruction efforts to proceed until Gaza is fully demilitarized, a position echoed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Morocco’s role within the International Stabilization Force (ISF) was detailed by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, according to reports from Moroccan media outlets. The ISF, currently numbering 20,000 troops, will initially be deployed to Rafah in Southern Gaza. Alongside Morocco, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania are also contributing troops. Egypt and Jordan have pledged to train a Palestinian police force within the Strip.
The commitment from Morocco follows a period of heightened tension, triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, resulted in over 72,000 fatalities. The conflict has left Gaza’s economy in ruins, with the UN estimating the cost of damages at $70 billion.
While the ceasefire agreement secured the release of all Israeli hostages, including the remains of Sgt. Ran Gvili in late January, reports indicate ongoing violations by Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims Hamas has violated the ceasefire “daily.”
Hamas, however, has stipulated that any discussions regarding Gaza’s future must begin with a complete cessation of Israeli “aggression.” The group has also indicated it will only accept an international force in Gaza if it does not interfere with its “internal affairs,” signaling potential resistance to the Board of Peace’s governance structure. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stated the group desires peacekeeping forces that “monitor the ceasefire” and “act as a buffer” without intervening in Gaza’s internal governance.
The Board of Peace has secured pledges of over $7 billion (£5.2bn) in relief funding from member nations. The organization’s next scheduled meeting is pending, with no date currently announced.
