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Gaza Crisis: Morocco Ties Peacekeeping Role to U.S. Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

Saturday 18 May 2024 - 13:16

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In a strategic move aimed at addressing the security vacuum in the Gaza Strip, the United States is actively encouraging Arab nations, including Morocco, to contribute troops to a multinational peacekeeping force. This proposed initiative seeks to maintain stability in the region until a credible Palestinian security apparatus can be established.

Converging reports indicate that Western and Arab officials have stated that Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco are considering the U.S. proposal. However, their participation hinges on a crucial condition: formal U.S. recognition of a Palestinian state.

"The Times of Israel" reported, "Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco are reportedly considering a US proposal to provide troops for an international peacekeeping force to secure the Gaza Strip and prevent Hamas from regaining power there after the war ends." The "Financial Times" noted that these countries "would want the U.S. to recognize a Palestinian state first."

Not all Arab states share this sentiment, with some rejecting the idea of deploying forces due to concerns about being perceived as complicit with Israel. The "Financial Times" highlighted Saudi Arabia's stance, stating, "other Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, have rejected the idea of deploying their forces, fearing they will be seen to be complicit with Israel."

Nonetheless, these countries have grown more receptive to the concept of an international force operating in Gaza as the U.S. and its allies grapple with finding a viable alternative to Israeli troops remaining in the area. The U.S. faces challenges in garnering support for the plan, as President Joe Biden is unwilling to deploy American troops to Gaza. A person briefed on the discussions told the "Financial Times," "The American policy is pretty firm that there will be no American troops on the ground, so it's hard for them to make the argument that others should."

Compounding the situation further is the uncertainty surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intentions for the conflict. The U.S. and its allies are frustrated by the lack of clarity on issues such as the duration of Israeli troops' presence in Gaza, who the Israeli government would accept as an administrator, and the length of Israel's offensive.

The "Financial Times" reported that UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently denounced a suggestion by Netanyahu that Arab states could assist in managing Gaza after the war. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the UAE would support a Palestinian government that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people, including independence, but "refuses to be drawn into any plan aimed at providing cover for the Israeli presence in the Gaza strip."

In the midst of this complex geopolitical landscape, Morocco has reasserted its steadfast support for Palestine at the recent Arab Summit. The kingdom's stance highlights the intricate dynamics at play as Arab nations navigate their commitment to the Palestinian cause while grappling with the realities of regional security and the pursuit of a lasting resolution to the Gaza crisis.