Morocco to Join Gaza Stabilization Force, Signaling Resilience of Abraham Accords

Morocco is poised to become the first Arab nation to contribute troops to the international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip, a move that underscores the continuing, though strained, impact of the 2020 Abraham Accords. The decision follows discussions with the United States and signals a willingness to cooperate on security matters despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Cooperation with the US and Israel

Representatives from the U.S. Military recently coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Southern Command to plan the deployment of Moroccan troops to an area between Rafah and Khan Yunis, where a multinational base will be established [Source: The Times of Israel]. The base will serve as a hub for representatives from various armies and contractors involved in the force’s construction, with work expected to commence at the end of February 2026.

The Abraham Accords Context

Morocco restored diplomatic ties with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements brokered by the Trump administration in 2020 [Source: Wikipedia]. These accords also led to similar agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and, initially, Sudan. The agreements represented a landmark achievement in U.S. Middle Eastern diplomacy [Source: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace].

Broader International Involvement

Indonesia has also approved the deployment of thousands of soldiers to Gaza as part of the stabilization force, initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Up to 8,000 Indonesian troops could be ready for deployment by the end of June 2026.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the Abraham Accords have faced strain due to the Gaza war, the participation of Morocco and Indonesia in the stabilization force suggests a degree of resilience in the broader effort to foster regional cooperation. The accords, signed in September 2020, aimed to usher in a “new Middle East” characterized by reduced conflict and increased trust [Source: The Times of Israel]. The ongoing involvement of Arab nations in stabilizing Gaza could be a crucial step towards realizing that vision, despite the challenges that remain.