Recent reports from Israeli media indicate that Morocco is preparing to host its inaugural training program aimed at forming a multinational force, which is expected to be deployed in the Gaza Strip as part of a plan attributed to the U.S. administration for post-war management. According to these reports, Morocco will play a central role in training thousands of soldiers who are candidates to participate in this force, with support and coordination from Israeli security agencies.
As reported, a delegation from the U.S. military command stationed in Kiryat Gat recently arrived in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, where they began preparations for the first training session of the anticipated force, in coordination with the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco. The training is expected to include shooting drills, physical preparation, and specialized military formations, following Morocco's recent commitment to the project last week, as per the Israeli narrative.
Sources indicate that the "Board of Peace" overseeing the project anticipates that around 500 Moroccan soldiers will participate in the multinational force. Currently, four countries have agreed to join this initiative: Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania. However, Indonesia, which previously announced its readiness to send approximately 800 soldiers, has not yet completed the necessary procedures to join the force.
Information from Israeli media suggests that this multinational force will initially operate in areas under Israeli control, specifically tasked with securing what is referred to as "New Rafah." While technical and logistical preparations are ongoing, Israeli sources confirm that an official date for the force's deployment in the Gaza Strip has yet to be set. Nevertheless, estimates indicate that the mission could commence at the beginning of next year, provided that the political and military arrangements related to the project are finalized.
In a related context, the "Board of Peace" had previously announced the formal inclusion of members from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces into what is described as the "International Stability Force" in the Gaza Strip. This step is seen as part of the international efforts to support the residents of Gaza and contribute to stability after months of conflict.
The announcement was made via the official account of the board on the platform "X," which included a photo of the Moroccan force leader alongside a statement saying: "The International Stability Force welcomes its latest members from the Royal Armed Forces. Their arrival enhances the international effort to support the people of Gaza. Stability begins here." This proclamation marks the first public indication of Moroccan personnel participating in the international mission discussed for months as part of post-war arrangements focused on overseeing security and stability in the region during the transitional period.
Conversely, Moroccan authorities have yet to issue an official statement confirming the accuracy of these details or clarifying the nature of Morocco's participation, whether regarding the size of the force or the tasks it may undertake in the sector, despite previous media reports suggesting that the kingdom was nearing involvement in this mission.
Moreover, the Israeli newspaper "Jerusalem Post" revealed in February that Morocco and Indonesia were candidates to make the largest contributions to the "International Stability Force" slated for deployment in Gaza, as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The newspaper further clarified at that time that this force would not engage in combat missions, but rather would be limited to peacekeeping responsibilities, monitoring ceasefire lines, and overseeing certain border issues, all aimed at stabilizing the region and preventing a resurgence of hostilities.
The involvement of the Royal Armed Forces in this mission could significantly enhance Morocco's presence in international peacekeeping operations, a field in which Morocco has accumulated extensive experience over the past decades through participation in various UN missions across Africa and other regions of the world.
As reported by assahifa.com.
