Full Breakdown
Morocco Joins International Stabilization Force for Gaza in Phase II of U.S. Ceasefire Plan
6/25/2026, 6:28:32 AM
Moroccan Officers Arrive for ISF Planning
Four Royal Moroccan Armed Forces officers landed on 18 June 2026 at the ISF headquarters in Kiryat Gat, Israel. They are tasked with planning, not operational deployment, and will work with officers from Indonesia, Albania, Kosovo and Greece as the ISF prepares for peacekeeping duties in Gaza under Phase II of the U.S.-backed ceasefire.
Background and Context
The ceasefire framework, unveiled in February 2025, calls for an Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and an ISF to supervise ceasefire lines. The Board of Peace, a coalition, coordinates the plan. Morocco pledged in February 2026 to contribute police and military personnel, becoming the first Arab nation to join the ISF.
Timeline
Oct 2023 – ceasefire; Feb 2026 – Board of Peace launch; 18 Jun 2026 – Four Moroccan officers arrive for ISF planning.
Data and Statistics
ISF targets 20,000 troops and 12,000 police trainees; Indonesia pledged 8,000 soldiers, while Morocco’s planning team consists of four officers. Since ceasefire, 1,027 Palestinians and five Israeli soldiers have been killed.
Official Statements and Responses
The Board of Peace announced that the Moroccan arrival bolsters the international effort to aid Gaza’s civilians. Israeli officials warned the ISF must avoid a role similar to the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, which they deem ineffective. Hamas said it would accept a force that does not interfere with Gaza’s internal affairs.
Criticism and Opposition
Israeli officials argue the ISF’s mandate may be limited to supervising ceasefire lines without confronting Hamas militarily, reducing its effectiveness. Observers note, despite announcements, concrete deployment steps remain minimal, highlighting a gap between rhetoric and operational progress.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The composition of Morocco’s future contribution—combat troops, police, or support—remains undefined. Sources differ on the number of Moroccan officers present, with some describing a single-digit contingent and others confirming four officers. No final timetable has been set for the Moroccan deployment or for the ISF’s full activation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Their arrival strengthens the international effort to support the people of Gaza.” — Board of Peace (via X)
- “The #ISF welcomes its newest members from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.” — ISF (via X)
- “UNIFIL 2,” — Israeli officials (describing the ISF)
- “Morocco has been chosen to serve in this new international body because of its sound credibility and leadership on the international scene in addition to its independent and moderate foreign policy, its steadfast commitment to international peace and respect for international law.” — ISF announcement (source 9)
What’s Next
Further planning and coordination are expected to continue, with Morocco expected to detail its field-hospital and police-training plans. Contingents from Albania, Greece and Kosovo are slated to arrive pending clearance, while the timing of any full-scale peacekeeping deployment will depend on the durability of the ceasefire.
