Morocco has formalized its participation in the international stabilization force slated for deployment in the Gaza Strip through a signed agreement in Rabat. The ceremony was attended by Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, senior defense officials, and Nikolaï Mladenov, representing the Gaza Peace Council, alongside a military delegation including the force’s commander.

The agreement marks a concrete step toward enhancing regional stability through humanitarian and security measures. Morocco plans to contribute senior officers, gendarmerie personnel, and police units, along with establishing a mobile military field hospital in Gaza.

While the signing formalizes Morocco’s commitment, it follows an earlier pledge made in February to provide personnel to the international force, making Morocco the first Arab nation to publicly announce such involvement. Moroccan officers have since joined the force’s headquarters in southern Israel to advance preparatory operations.

Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo have also agreed to contribute to the mission. However, Morocco is poised to be the first to deploy forces on the ground. Under the proposed framework, Moroccan troops will be tasked with securing the boundaries of a planned humanitarian zone near Rafah in southern Gaza. This area is designed to host temporary housing and aid infrastructure under the protection of the international force.

The deployment timeline remains uncertain. Israel must finalize bilateral agreements with contributing countries 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 no earlier than early 2027.

In the meantime, small delegations from participating countries continue preparatory work from a base in southern Israel. The international force aims to support Gaza’s security transition, but its activation hinges on key discussions regarding Hamas disarmament, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of civilian governance structures in the territory.