Morocco's Financial Commitment to Trump's Peace Board
In a significant move that highlights its commitment to regional stability, Morocco stands out as one of only three countries that have honored their financial pledges to Donald Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza. This revelation comes from a detailed investigation published by Reuters on April 10, which confirmed that, of the ten nations that initially promised financial support, only Morocco, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States have actually contributed funds to date.
The total contributions received thus far amount to less than $1 billion, a stark contrast to the ambitious $17 billion that was pledged during a Washington conference held just prior to the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has exacerbated tensions in the region. This significant shortfall in funding has dire implications for the humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to Reuters, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a body supported by the United States comprising Palestinian technocrats intended to replace Hamas governance, has faced obstacles in entering the Gaza Strip due to the lack of available funds.
Concerns Over Funding Transparency and Contributions
Despite the Board of Peace's denial of funding issues, asserting that it operates as a “lean, execution-focused organization” with all funding requests met, Reuters has cited sources familiar with the operations who contradict this claim, indicating that the financial situation is far more complex. Moreover, Moroccan media outlet Le Desk has raised additional concerns regarding the clarity of the $17 billion figure referenced by Reuters, suggesting that it mixes various types of commitments that differ significantly in nature. Some of these pledges are specifically earmarked for Gaza's reconstruction, while others pertain to the requisite $1 billion fee for permanent membership within the Board’s structure.
Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has characterized Morocco's contribution as a historic financial commitment to the Board but has refrained from disclosing the exact amount. A diplomatic source from the United States indicated that all contributions are voluntary, integrated into the broader context of Gaza engagement, yet Rabat has not provided detailed public clarification. Beyond financial support, Morocco has pledged extensive assistance, including the deployment of police officers to Gaza and the training of local police forces. Furthermore, Morocco plans to send senior military personnel to the International Stabilization Force’s joint command and establish a military field hospital in the region, in addition to initiating a deradicalization program.
The International Stabilization Force (ISF) aims to deploy 20,000 troops and train 12,000 police officers, with contributing nations emphasizing that their roles will be confined to peacekeeping, border security, and humanitarian operations, explicitly excluding any actions that could involve confrontation with Hamas or disarming armed factions. As the reconstruction needs of Gaza are estimated at a staggering $70 billion, against the backdrop of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis following Israel’s prolonged military campaign, the urgency for effective international cooperation and funding is evident. The ongoing deadlock in disarmament negotiations, with Hamas insisting on guarantees for Israeli withdrawal before disarming, and Israel demanding the opposite, further complicates the situation, raising concerns about a potential escalation of hostilities.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
