Morocco Becomes First Arab Nation to Join Trump's Gaza Peace Board
Rabat, 22 January 2026
King Mohammed VI has accepted President Trump’s invitation to join the ‘Board of Peace’ as a founding member, making Morocco the first African and Arab state to commit to the Gaza-focused initiative. Announced on 19th January 2026, Morocco will ratify the charter and potentially contribute troops to Gaza’s stabilisation force. The board, chaired by Trump himself, requires member countries to pay over $1 billion within the first year for participation beyond three years, whilst France has reportedly rejected its invitation over concerns about undermining the United Nations.
Morocco’s Strategic Diplomatic Alignment
The decision marks a significant diplomatic pivot for Morocco, which has positioned itself as a bridge between Africa and the Middle East. Morocco’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday, 19th January 2026, that King Mohammed VI would ratify the charter of the organisation created to support the peace plan for Gaza [1]. The ministry emphasised that this invitation constitutes recognition of the King’s enlightened leadership and his stature as an indispensable peace actor, demonstrating the confidence he enjoys with the US President and the international community [2]. The Board of Peace was originally conceived to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza, but its charter does not appear to limit its role to the Palestinian territory [2], suggesting potential expansion beyond the immediate Gaza crisis.
Military Commitment and Regional Implications
Beyond diplomatic participation, Morocco appears prepared to contribute militarily to Gaza’s stabilisation efforts. Israeli journalist Barak Ravid reported that Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 20th January 2026 that Morocco is discussing sending soldiers to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza [1]. However, those close to the prime minister denied this specific statement, clarifying that Akhannouch only confirmed Mohammed VI’s agreement to join the board of peace [1]. This confusion highlights the sensitive nature of military deployments in the region, where even discussions of troop contributions can generate significant political ramifications. The potential for Moroccan forces in Gaza would represent a notable shift in North African military engagement with Palestinian territories.
International Response and UN Concerns
The Board of Peace initiative has generated mixed reactions from global leaders, with some expressing concerns about its potential to compete with established international institutions. French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected the invitation, with his office citing concerns that the body will undermine the United Nations [3]. This rejection underscores broader European anxieties about Trump’s approach to multilateral diplomacy and the potential for parallel institutions to fragment international cooperation. Meanwhile, Polish President Karol Nawrocki also received an invitation to join the Gaza Board of Peace, though Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that joining such a body would require parliamentary approval [3]. The White House has extended invitations to various world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban, though not all have announced their acceptance [2].
Financial Commitments and Long-term Vision
The Board of Peace operates under a substantial financial framework that reflects the scale of reconstruction efforts envisioned for Gaza and potentially other conflict zones. The board’s charter stipulates that member countries, represented by their head of state or government, would be allowed to join for three years or longer if they paid more than $1 billion within the first year [2]. This financial threshold effectively limits participation to wealthier nations or those with significant strategic interests in Middle Eastern stability. Morocco’s acceptance of these terms demonstrates the kingdom’s substantial commitment to the initiative, particularly given the ongoing economic pressures facing many North African nations. The US-led initiative aims to contribute to peace efforts in the Middle East and adopt a new approach to resolving conflicts around the world [2], suggesting Trump’s ambition to establish an alternative framework to traditional UN peacekeeping mechanisms. Morocco has reiterated its steadfast commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, enabling the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side in peace with Israel [2].