Morocco's Strategic Involvement in Gaza's Multinational Force Training
In a significant move towards establishing a stable post-war environment in Gaza, Morocco is preparing to host the inaugural foundational training for the multinational force expected to be deployed in the region in the coming weeks. According to Israeli media sources, Morocco will play a crucial role in this initiative, collaborating closely with Israeli security agencies. The kingdom is set to oversee the training of thousands of soldiers who are anticipated to form the backbone of the international stability force tasked with maintaining order in Gaza.
Recent reports indicate that representatives from the U.S. military command located in Kiryat Gat, which houses the civilian-military coordination center for the international stability force, have recently arrived in Rabat. They are engaging in coordination meetings with officials from the Royal Armed Forces as preparations for the foundational training courses begin. These training sessions are expected to encompass specialized programs in marksmanship, physical fitness, operational discipline, and other field training related to security and stability operations.
Details on Participation and Future Operations
In related developments, Israeli broadcasting agency Kan reported that Morocco is poised to send approximately 500 soldiers to participate in this multinational force. So far, four countries have agreed to join the initiative, including Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania. Indonesia, which previously expressed its intention to deploy around 800 troops, has yet to finalize its official participation.
According to circulating data, the multinational force will initially operate in areas under Israeli control and is expected to secure what is referred to as "New Rafah." This planned city is believed to be a project in which the United Arab Emirates intends to invest, with the goal of creating a residential and administrative zone free from the presence of Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement.
Despite the progress reported in logistical and organizational aspects, a definitive timeline for the force's deployment on the ground has not yet been established. However, estimates suggest that this initiative may commence, at best, at the beginning of the upcoming year.
These developments follow a recent visit by Nikolai Mladenov, the High Representative of the Peace Council in Gaza, to Morocco, where he led a high-level delegation that included officials from the council and the commander of the international stability force in Gaza. This visit facilitated meetings with various Moroccan officials, including Abdelatif Loudiyi, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense, and the Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.
The visit culminated in the signing of an agreement concerning Morocco's participation in the international stability force in Gaza. This agreement establishes the legal framework governing the technical and operational aspects of this participation and outlines the anticipated cooperation should the project move forward.
As reported by i24news.tv.
