Morocco to host Gaza force drills under US-backed plan

Morocco, which normalised relations with Israel under the US-brokered 2020 Abraham Accords in exchange for Washington’s recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara, is reportedly preparing to play a major role in post-war security plans for Gaza.

As reported by The New Arab on 23 July via Israeli public broadcaster Kan, approximately 30 Moroccan military officers travelled into the Gaza Strip on 22 July. This marked the Moroccan army’s first field visit to the areas where its troops are anticipated to operate.

The visit followed reports by Israeli media that Morocco will host the first training exercise for a planned multinational force expected to operate in Gaza under a US-backed post-war plan.

The multinational force was proposed as part of US President Donald Trump’s October 2025 Gaza ceasefire plan, which has yet to be implemented amid ongoing Israeli military operations and Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the enclave.

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan 11 announced that the foundational exercise is planned for the upcoming weeks. Initially, the training was set to happen in Jordan, but due to the US-Iran conflict and Iranian assaults on US military bases in the region, it has been relocated to Morocco, Kan reported.

Officials from the US-led command headquarters in Kiryat Gat have reportedly travelled to Rabat to plan the inaugural joint military exercise with the Moroccan armed forces. The programme is expected to feature live-fire exercises, physical training and various operational drills, as Morocco prepares to train thousands of troops for potential deployment in the enclave, with US troops assisting in coordinating the operation.

Kan, citing unnamed Israeli officials, said Morocco had taken the mission “seriously”, sending officers both to the multinational force’s headquarters and to Israel. The officials reportedly described Morocco as “the most significant military” preparing to take part in the post-war mission in Gaza.

The reports stated that Morocco formally joined the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) on 15 July and is now anticipated to take on a “very significant” role in Gaza’s future security strategies, according to Israeli security officials.

Morocco is expected to contribute around 500 troops to the force, alongside personnel from Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania. They would initially be responsible for guarding the planned “New Rafah” city, a project expected to be developed by the United Arab Emirates and designated as a “Hamas-free” zone.

According to the Israeli outlet JFeed, Morocco has emerged as a key contributor to the initiative, with the ISF expected to include approximately 20,000 troops and 12,000 trained police officers. The first deployment will target the Rafah region, with subsequent deployments to other parts of Gaza.

The reports show conflicting information about Indonesia’s involvement. Kan 11 stated that Jakarta has not officially joined the force, despite earlier indicating it might send about 800 troops. According to the broadcaster, Indonesia has not yet submitted a request to access the command centre in Kiryat Gat. Meanwhile, JFeed included Indonesia as one of the nations that have committed to sending personnel.

Kan announced that a base for the multinational force inside Gaza has already been planned and could be built at any time, but that the Israeli government has yet to grant final approval. According to the report, Israel has delayed advancing post-war plans for Gaza until Hamas agrees to disarm.

Hamas has repeatedly rejected calls to surrender its weapons while Israeli forces remain in Gaza and military operations continue. However, the group has previously indicated it would be willing to hand over governance to an administration appointed by the Board of Peace.

No official timetable for deployment has been announced, although Kan 11 said foreign troops could enter Gaza as early as next year.

Morocco, the United States, or the other countries mentioned in the reports have not officially confirmed the plans.

The New Arab, Maghrebi.org