The high representative for the Board of Peace, Nikolay Mladenov, has issued a stark warning regarding the fragile state of the ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that the failure of both Palestinian and Israeli parties to adhere to the established roadmap for peace poses a significant threat to its stability. In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Mladenov stressed that there is no viable alternative to the current peace plan and cautioned that a return to conflict would have catastrophic consequences for the region. His statements come amidst ongoing Israeli raids and attacks, which exacerbate the already dire situation in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Mladenov further articulated that any deviation from the roadmap's commitments would not only undermine security but could also jeopardize vital humanitarian arrangements in Palestine, potentially plunging the area back into a cycle of violence. He confirmed that the Board of Peace has finalized the mechanisms and designated locations for the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) throughout Gaza. Morocco has committed to participating in this initiative, while Turkiye has been sidelined following Israel's veto of Ankara's involvement. Mladenov indicated that the initial elements of the stabilization force are expected to arrive in Gaza imminently.
Regarding the reconstruction efforts, Mladenov revealed that the Board has secured pledges totaling $7 billion, acknowledging the significant roles played by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye in facilitating agreements with Hamas. He expressed optimism about ongoing discussions with Israel aimed at enhancing humanitarian aid, stating that he hopes a Palestinian national committee will soon assume its responsibilities in Gaza. This dialogue traces back to May 21, when Mladenov first introduced a comprehensive 15-point roadmap addressing critical issues such as reconstruction, the disarmament of Palestinian armed factions, a phased Israeli withdrawal, the mandate of the ISF, and the reorganization of Gaza's police forces.
The Board of Peace announced on July 31 that it had reached an agreement on the next phase of the ceasefire, which Hamas endorsed while urging Israel to comply. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently rejected the plan, disputing claims that his government had agreed to permit international troops in Gaza. The status of the roadmap remains contentious, despite support from the United States and the Board, who regard it as the only feasible approach moving forward.
On the ground, there have been continued violations by Israeli forces, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that since the ceasefire was enacted in October 2025, Israeli fire has resulted in the deaths of 1,303 Palestinians and injuries to 4,336 individuals. The overall toll since October 2023 has reached a staggering 73,438 fatalities and 174,447 wounded. This warning coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts, as Hamas political chief Khalil al-Hayya recently met with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, ahead of a visit by US envoy Jared Kushner aimed at reconciling differences between Israel and the Board's proposals.
Morocco's involvement has evolved through a series of strategic steps this year. The deployment was initially announced in February, and by June 18, four Moroccan officers had arrived at the ISF headquarters in southern Israel to assist in structuring the force and contributing policing expertise. On July 15, Morocco formalized its agreement to join the ISF in Rabat, becoming the first Arab nation to do so. This agreement included sending senior officers to the joint command and aims to establish a long-term force of approximately 20,000 troops and 12,000 trained police officers, beginning operations in Gaza’s Rafah sector.
The meeting that solidified this agreement included Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Abdellatif Loudiyi of the National Defense Administration, and Mladenov, reflecting instructions from King Mohammed VI. The National Defense Administration characterized the accord as a legal framework for Morocco's operational and technical participation, which may extend to gendarmerie and police personnel plus a military field hospital.
The pace of developments has accelerated, with reports indicating that the first foundational training cycle for the ISF will occur on Moroccan soil, following the Board of Peace's decision to relocate exercises from Jordan due to escalating tensions with Iran and threats to US bases in the region. Furthermore, representatives from the US command have visited Rabat to collaborate with Moroccan officers on the training cycle, with Morocco preparing to deploy around 500 soldiers.
On July 22, approximately 30 Moroccan officers conducted their first field tour in Gaza, assessing areas designated for ISF operations. During this visit, Mladenov also met with Moroccan and Kosovar contingents to discuss upcoming deployments. To date, four countries—Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania—have committed to contributing to the force, while Indonesia's planned deployment of 8,000 troops remains pending. Since the initial commitment involving five nations, Uganda has approved the deployment of around 1,200 troops, and Burundi has initiated discussions regarding potential participation, although finalization is still pending.
At this juncture, no specific date has been established for the entry of foreign troops, with the earliest estimates suggesting it could occur at the beginning of next year, likely following Israel's Knesset election on October 27. Morocco, having restored diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, continues to advocate for a two-state solution and the establishment of Palestinian statehood.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
