Morocco is reportedly set to train and equip an "international stability force" aimed at disarming Hamas in Gaza, working alongside American and Israeli officers. United States President Donald Trump has been seeking to establish this force since October 2025, with the explicit goal of disarming Hamas within the Gaza Strip. The collaborative effort involves Moroccan, American, and Israeli personnel in the training and equipping of these units, signaling a significant multilateral undertaking. This initiative shows a concerted effort to address the presence of Hamas in the region, with the international stability force being a key component of this strategy.
Morocco's Role in the Force
Morocco has agreed to host the initial elements of this international force on its territory in the coming weeks, providing a key staging ground for the mission. The North African nation is slated to contribute 500 soldiers to this multinational contingent, making it a substantial contributor to the planned force. The force is intended to enter Gaza later and establish itself in "New Rafah," a location the United Arab Emirates is reportedly tasked with building and ensuring it is free of Hamas presence. This strategic positioning in "New Rafah" suggests a long-term vision for stability and reconstruction in the area. This international force will comprise soldiers from four countries: Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania. All four participating nations are Muslim-majority countries, a detail noted by observers. A week ago, Morocco dispatched 30 officers to Gaza to scout the situation and prepare for the deployment of their soldiers, indicating advanced planning and reconnaissance efforts. This preliminary deployment notes Morocco's commitment to the operation and its role in facilitating the larger force's arrival.
Historical Context and Criticism
The stated objective of the international force is to fight Hamas, disarm it, and destroy its tunnels to perpetuate the Israeli occupation of Palestine. This objective has drawn significant criticism. Most countries, including all European and Western nations, reportedly refused to participate in this international force, suggesting a lack of broader international consensus or support for the initiative. Morocco has a history of involvement in Arab-Israeli conflicts, having previously participated in wars defending Palestine, a stark contrast to its current reported role. However, Morocco has since normalized relations with Israel, a development that has reshaped its foreign policy posture in the region. The article claims that Morocco now allows Israeli ships to supply weapons, which are then used against Palestinians, further fueling criticism regarding its current alignment. Critics also assert that the participating armies in the force are "dilapidated" and have never won a war, raising questions about their effectiveness and capacity to achieve the stated objectives in a complex operational environment like Gaza.
Hamas's Warning and Scholar Silence
The article questions the silence of Islamic scholars regarding the decision of the "Commander of the Faithful" and leaders of three other Islamic countries to send soldiers to Gaza. This query arises as Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania are slated to contribute troops to an international force intended for Gaza, a move that some might view as controversial within the broader Islamic world. The lack of commentary from prominent religious figures on such a significant geopolitical development is noted as noteworthy. This silence is particularly pertinent given the religious and political sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of Muslim-majority nations.
Hamas has previously issued a clear warning regarding any external intervention in Gaza. Osama Hamdan, a Hamas official, stated months ago at the "Al Jazeera Forum": "Whoever wants to enter Gaza to replace Israel, we will deal with him exactly like Israel, and whoever wants to work in place of Israel, he must bear the consequences of that." This statement outlined Hamas's unequivocal stance on any force attempting to assume a role similar to Israel's within the Gaza Strip, signaling potential armed resistance against such an international presence. The warning from Hamas shows the significant risks and challenges that any international force entering Gaza would face.