Israel refuses to allow Gaza military base for Moroccan and Kosovan troops despite $17 billion pledged by US, Saudi Arabia and 8 other countries

According to The Guardian, Israel has refused to allow US contractor Arkel International to enter Gaza and begin construction of a military outpost designed to accommodate 150 international troops.

“Israel won’t open the border,” a person familiar with the project told the newspaper.

Morocco’s role in Trump’s Gaza security plan

While Egypt is involved in diplomatic arrangements, Morocco is expected to contribute to the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF), comprising approximately 500 personnel from Morocco and Kosovo, with 150 set to rotate through the planned military base.

The construction delay has consequently disrupted preparations for the proposed multinational deployment.

Israeli restrictions delay construction despite billions in pledges

US contractor Arkel International was awarded a contract to build a fortified military outpost measuring 100 metres by 100 metres to accommodate and support the proposed multinational force.

However, Israel has refused to authorise the contractor’s entry into Gaza, preventing the delivery of construction materials, installation of essential utilities and commencement of work on the facility.

“There’s no security. There’s no deliveries of construction equipment. You can’t even start putting utilities,” a person familiar with the project told The Guardian.

Israeli restrictions stall Gaza project despite $17 billion in international pledges

However, The Times of Israel reported in September that only $280 million of the promised funding had been transferred. Board of Peace representatives explained that contributions were being requested as projects became ready for implementation.

In the same month, the board unveiled a $2.45 billion initial reconstruction programme, forming part of a longer-term effort estimated to cost $71.4 billion over the next decade.

The financial commitments cover Gaza’s wider reconstruction and security arrangements, rather than the proposed military base, whose contract value has not been publicly disclosed.

Beyond funding and construction delays, the initiative faces disagreements over security arrangements between Israel and Hamas.

The board’s high representative for Gaza, Nikolay Mladenov, has said progress depends on Hamas surrendering its weapons, while also urging Israel to scale back military operations and allow reconstruction efforts to proceed.