On Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco formally signed an agreement to participate in the International Stabilization Force slated for deployment in the Gaza Strip. The signing ceremony was attended by Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, senior defense officials, and Nikolaï Mladenov, representing the Gaza Peace Council, alongside a delegation including the force’s commander.

The Moroccan Defense Administration emphasized that this commitment reflects a shared determination to foster tangible humanitarian and security measures aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. Among the planned contributions are the deployment of senior officers, gendarmerie personnel, and police officers, as well as the establishment of a field military hospital in Gaza.

While Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo have also pledged support, Morocco may become the first nation to actually deploy troops in Gaza. According to the plan developed by the Gaza Peace Council, Moroccan forces would be tasked with securing the boundaries of a proposed humanitarian zone near Rafah in southern Gaza. This area is intended to house temporary shelters and aid infrastructure under the protection of the international force.

However, deployment is not expected to occur immediately. Israel must first finalize bilateral agreements with each contributing country to define the legal status of foreign troops in Gaza. Additionally, no timeline has been set for the development of the Rafah humanitarian zone, with construction potentially not beginning until early 2027.

In the meantime, small delegations from participating countries continue preparations from a base in southern Israel. The upcoming force is designed to support Gaza’s security transition, though its establishment hinges on discussions regarding Hamas disarmament, the phased withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces, and the organization of civilian governance in the territory.