Morocco signs agreement to join Gaza International Stabilization Force

The Moroccan government on Wednesday officially signed its acceptance to join the International Stabilization Force for Gaza, marking a significant expansion of the multinational mission. According to Moroccan state media (MAP), King Mohammed VI approved the country's participation in the force.

The signing ceremony was held in the Moroccan capital of Rabat and was attended by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Board of Peace Gaza envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, senior Moroccan defense officials, and U.S. Army Maj.-Gen. Jasper Jeffers, commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF).

In a statement, the Moroccan military said the decision to join the ISF "reflects a shared commitment to contributing to peace and security through humanitarian and security initiatives." It added that Morocco's participation "reflects Morocco's commitment to the values of peace, cooperation and international solidarity." It has not disclosed the size of its contingent, the specific role its forces will play, or a timetable for their deployment.

Morocco's participation is viewed as a significant diplomatic development. Since normalizing relations with Israel in 2020, the North African kingdom has steadily expanded security, defense, and commercial cooperation with the Jewish state.

The conflict in Gaza was triggered on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists launched a cross-border assault on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 people. Two years later, in October 2025, the Trump administration helped broker a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization. The following month, Washington submitted a proposal to the United Nations Security Council calling for the establishment of a global stabilization force to help maintain security in post-war Gaza.

U.S. officials indicated early on that they envisioned the force being composed primarily of troops from Muslim-majority countries, arguing that such a composition would be less likely to be viewed by Gazans as an occupying force.

Since December, the Trump administration has sought contributions from dozens of countries, including key Arab partners, to support the ISF and the reconstruction of post-war Gaza. While several nations have expressed interest in participating or providing logistical support, many have been reluctant to commit troops, particularly to areas of Gaza outside Israeli control.