On July 16, the US-backed Board of Peace said that Morocco had “formally signed its Participating Country Agreement with the International Stabilization Force.” This was a long-expected development that is key to helping the Board continue to move forward in Gaza.
In Gaza, the Hamas terrorist group continues to control an area of the enclave, estimated at around 30-40 percent of the area. Around 2 million civilians are still trapped under Hamas. Morocco’s commitment is also important, coming after the ISF announced new members from the Kosovo Security Force on July 12.
In order to help the civilians have a chance to escape Hamas rule, they will need reconstruction and also the ability to have security. To secure areas they might one day move to or live in, there will need to be an alternative Palestinian government to Hamas and also an international force.
The US plan to end the war in Gaza was able to secure a ceasefire in October 2025.
The Trump administration has worked hard to make the peace plan come to fruition. However, there are many hurdles. One hurdle is that the Trump administration also has to help manage other issues relating to Israel. For instance, the US is also working on Israel-Lebanon talks.
US creating new ties in Middle East
The US is also trying to work with Syria and restrain Israel from a belligerent policy toward Syria. US President Donald Trump has recently spotlighted the fact that Israel operates in Syria beyond the 1974 ceasefire line. The US is also continuing to fight Iran.
As such, the White House has many issues on its plate. Helping Israel get out of wars on several borders, and helping bring peace to people in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, and the region is hard work.
The Board of Peace is one part of this effort. Via the Board of Peace, Gaza is supposed to be stabilized. To stabilize it requires an International Stabilization Force.
Around five countries were expected to join the force after the US plan got UN backing and after the Board of Peace was inaugurated in January.
The Moroccan contingent is one of several that are expected to join. “Moroccan forces will support humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and help train the Palestinian Police Force.
The Board of Peace and the #ISF thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI for Morocco’s unwavering dedication to regional stability, security, and for leading with action to support the people of Gaza,” the Board said on July 16.
“The ISF welcomes the newest members of the Kosovo Security Force to the team. They will support the Gaza security effort in areas such as logistics and civil affairs.”
Morocco joins Abraham Accords after UAE, Bahrain
Morocco is important because it is a member of the Abraham Accords. It joined after the UAE and Bahrain agreed to the original accords in 2020. Kosovo also joined in 2021.
Kazakhstan joined in 2025. As members of the Accords, Kosovo and Morocco are expected to play an important role. Kazakhstan and Albania may also play a role. Albania and Kosovo already sent a team to examine their deployment.
On July 12, the ISF also said it “welcomes the newest members of the Kosovo Security Force to the team. They will support the Gaza security effort in areas such as logistics and civil affairs.”
In addition, Dubravka Suica, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean and for Demography as well as a former Mayor of Dubrovnik, recently met with Aryeh Lightstone from the Board of Peace.
They met in Brussels, she posted on July 14, saying, “I welcome his participation in today’s second meeting of our EU Palestine Donor Group. By working together, we can advance Gaza’s early recovery, and help turn the Gaza Peace Plan into tangible progress on the ground. This is our shared goal and our common commitment, in coordination with the Board of Peace and all our partners.”
Suica also met with Nickolay Mladenov, the High Representative of the Board for Gaza. He is a former UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. After her meeting with him, Suica posted about “Gaza's transitional structures” and the importance of delivering “tangible improvements for the Palestinian people.”
She wrote that “we demonstrated the international community's unwavering commitment. Now the next step is clear: we need access, Hamas disarmament, security and a clear governance framework to turn that commitment into action.”
Meanwhile, Mladenov spotlighted King Mohammed VI of Morocco “for his visionary leadership, and to the Kingdom of Morocco for its meaningful contribution to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza.” He wrote that “through security support, humanitarian assistance and the deployment of a field hospital, Morocco is, once again, translating its longstanding commitment to the Palestinian people into concrete action. An important contribution to #peace, stability and hope for Gaza and the realization of UNSCR 2803 and President Trump's Comprehensive Peace Plan.”
It is clear that Morocco’s move toward greater work with the Board and Gaza is a key part of what comes next. Morocco is a friend of the US and Israel.
The Chargé d’Affaires of Kosovo to the State of Israel, Ines Demiri, has also been key to supporting Kosovo’s work with the Board. In June, she met with Kosovo officers Maj. Gentrit Idrizi and Maj. Labinot Lala. “I visited their base to learn more about their important work.
Their service and dedication reflect Kosovo’s steadfast commitment to supporting international peace, security, & stabilization efforts,” she noted. She also visited the Life Support Area Endurance near the Gaza border “which will serve as a vital waypoint for ISF to refit while supporting restoration & humanitarian efforts,” the Board noted.
All of the components of the next phase are slowly coming into view. The logistical support for the ISF. The ISF teams. The countries involved. The donor countries. In addition, the IDF continues to strike Hamas terrorists.
There is also the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, set up with US Central Command in October 2025. Along with the IDF and various other countries and NGOs, it has helped with humanitarian assistance in Gaza.