Morocco and Peace in Gaza: The Doctrine of Action
Introduction
On February
19, 2026, in Washington, Nasser Bourita's intervention during the inaugural
meeting of the "Board of Peace" marked a turning point in the
regional approach to the Palestinian crisis. By conveying the message of King
Mohammed VI, the Minister of Foreign Affairs did not merely indulge in
diplomatic ritual; he outlined an operational roadmap. This reference document
proposes breaking out of the cycle of reaction to enter an era of
institutional, social, and human reconstruction.The context demands this rigor.
Between 2023 and 2025, Gaza endured a harsh ordeal. In this turmoil, Morocco
maintained a singular balancing act. Its presence within the "Board of
Peace" is not mere honorary participation, but the recognition of a
pivotal interlocutor role. The Kingdom is today one of the few nations capable
of dialoguing with the Palestinian Authority while maintaining a credible
communication channel with Israel. This duality, far from being a
contradiction, is the main asset of mediation through action.The central
question driving this article is no longer whether aid can reach its
destination, but how this assistance can transform into a lever for stability.
Moroccan expertise—military, humanitarian, and religious—offers tangible
responses where cabinet theories have failed. By examining the direct royal
commitment, the experience of Blue Helmets in other theaters, and the
deradicalization arsenal, we will see how Morocco sketches the outlines of a
peace founded on autonomy and dignity.
1 — The Royal Vision: A
Commitment on the Ground and to Sovereignty
1.1 An Unequivocal
Institutional Support
Moroccan
diplomacy is the extension of a royal will. It prioritizes measurable impact
over declarations of principle. Nasser Bourita recalled commitments that form a
coherent whole:
a)
Morocco's financial contribution to the Board of Peace;
b) The
deployment of police officers to train Palestinian forces;
c) The
deployment of high-ranking military officers to the joint command of the
International Stabilization Force (ISF);
d) The
deployment of a military field hospital;
e)
Leadership of a deradicalization program to combat hate speech and promote
tolerance.
This
approach fits into the tradition of the Al-Qods Committee, chaired by King
Mohammed VI. The doctrine is that of "Palestinian ownership"
(Palestinian Ownership). It is not about Morocco substituting for local
institutions, but creating the conditions for their viability. The transfer of
security skills is here the first milestone of sovereignty.
1.2 Humanitarian Aid: The
Logistics of the Possible
Moroccan
humanitarian action between 2023 and 2025 was a permanent logistical challenge.
In March 2024, Morocco succeeded in opening an unprecedented land bridge via
Kerem Shalom, delivering 40 tons of food supplies at the height of
restrictions. This diplomatic feat was followed, in July and August 2025, by
successive waves totaling more than 210 tons of medical equipment, tents, and
infant formula.
Beyond the
volumes, it is the nature of the aid that matters. The deployment of field
hospitals by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) allowed for the treatment of complex
pathologies—war surgery, heavy pediatrics, obstetrics—that devastated local
structures could no longer handle. This medical presence on the ground is the
cement of trust between the Kingdom and the population of Gaza.1.3 The
Conditions for a Viable PeaceThe royal message is clear: no reconstruction is
possible without a political horizon. Bourita highlighted four sine qua non
conditions:
a)
Respecting the requirements of Phase Two of President Trump's plan;
b)
Preserving stability in the West Bank;
c) Ensuring
Palestinian ownership through legitimate institutions;
d) Hoping
that the stabilization of Gaza will launch a broader peace process based on the
two-state solution.
Morocco
refuses perpetual crisis management; it demands an exit from crisis from above.
2 — UN Expertise: Peace
Through Method
2.1 A Seasoned Contingent
in Service to the UN
To
understand Morocco's credibility in Gaza, one must look toward Africa. Since
1960, the Kingdom has deployed more than 84,000 military personnel in about
fifteen peacekeeping operations. This is not an engagement without pain: more
than fifty Moroccan Blue Helmets have sacrificed their lives. Morocco is the
9th largest global contributor of troops.
This
capacity to operate with professionalism, discipline, and respect for local
sensitivities in various difficult contexts is directly transferable to Gaza.
These hallmarks of the defense and security forces make the Kingdom a
"trusted third party" for the ISF.
3 — Deradicalization: The
Architecture of Consciences
3.1 Wasatiyya as a Bulwark
Civil or
military peace is an illusion if not coupled with the deconstruction of
extremist discourses. Morocco proposes its doctrine of Wasatiyya (the middle
way). This religious model, based on the Maliki rite and the Imamate of Amir
Al-Mouminine, promotes active moderation.
3.2 The
"Moussalaha" Model
Launched in
Morocco in 2017, the Moussalaha program is a global reference. It does not
merely reeducate; it reconciles. By combining theological dialogue led by
ulemas, psychological support, and professional training, Morocco has succeeded
in reintegrating radicalized individuals. It is this human engineering that the
Kingdom proposes to export.
4 — The Social Lever: The
Silent Action of Bayt Mal Al-Qods
The Bayt
Mal Al-Qods Agency plays a pivotal role in this architecture of peace. Away
from the cameras, it finances the essentials: education, health, and housing.
In 2024 and 2025, the Agency intensified its action, investing several million
dollars in local projects.
In Gaza,
this model of operational agility allows aid to be delivered directly to
beneficiaries without going through often sclerotic bureaucratic channels. By
supporting vulnerable families and protecting social heritage, Morocco
strengthens the resilience of Palestinian civil society.
5 — Perspectives and
Challenges: A Holistic Approach
The success
of this mission relies on a rare synergy between security, social, and
religious aspects. It is this "total approach" that constitutes the
strength of the Moroccan model.
However,
the obstacles are real. International coordination remains a labyrinth, and the
political volatility of the region can at any moment undermine the gains.
Morocco responds with constant vigilance and tactical flexibility, without ever
deviating from its basic principles: dignity, sovereignty, and moderation.
Conclusion
Morocco's
engagement in Gaza is neither an emotional reaction nor a circumstantial
diplomatic calculation. It is the product of a doctrine of action matured over
decades. By combining peacekeeping, religious expertise, and social solidarity,
the Kingdom proposes a path to stabilization that addresses the deep causes of
the crisis rather than its symptoms alone.
From
sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East, Morocco demonstrates that lasting peace
is not decreed in chancelleries; it is built on the ground, through the
strength of societies and the credibility of actors. In Gaza, the Moroccan
model could well become the laboratory for a new form of international
cooperation, where security is no longer an end in itself, but the foundation
on which a people's dignity is built.
References
- Arab News, “Morocco Participates in the Board of Peace”, 2026
- Maroc Hebdo, “Moroccan Humanitarian Aid to Gaza”, 2025
- L’Opinion, “Historic Land Bridge to Gaza”, 2024
- Assahifa, “Bayt Mal Al-Qods Projects”, 2024–2025
- Jeune Afrique, “Moussalaha Program: Deradicalization and Reintegration”, 2022
- Africanews, “Moussalaha: Lessons Learned”, 2022
- UN Report on Morocco, morocco.un.org, 2025
- UN Data: MINUSCA, ONUCI, MONUSCO, MINUSS
- BMAQ.org, Social and Educational Activities of Bayt Mal Al-Qods
