Israel has blocked construction of a US-backed military base in Gaza intended to accommodate troops from Morocco and Kosovo, delaying part of a post-war security plan initiated by US President Donald Trump and supported by $17 billion in international funding pledges.
- Israel has blocked the construction of a US-backed military base in Gaza, delaying part of President Trump's post-war security plan.
- This move raises concerns over the feasibility of an international mission, notably involving Moroccan and Kosovar troops.
- The ongoing delays jeopardize the Board of Peace's mission to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and stabilize the region amidst continued violence after the 2025 ceasefire.
- Israeli restrictions prevent the delivery of materials and setup of critical infrastructure, stalling preparations for the International Stabilisation Force.
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.
The company secured the board's first Gaza construction contract in August 2026, but two months later, Israeli restrictions have prevented workers and equipment from entering the territory.
"Israel won't open the border," a person familiar with the project told the newspaper.
Morocco's role in Trump's Gaza security plan
Morocco and Egypt are among the African countries represented on the Board of Peace, established to coordinate Gaza's post-war administration and reconstruction following the October 2025 ceasefire agreement.
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.
But Israeli restrictions on access to Gaza have delayed construction of the facility and preparations for the deployment.
Israeli restrictions delay construction despite billions in pledges
US contractor Arkel International was awarded a contract to build a fortified military outpost measuring approximately 100 metres by 100 metres to accommodate and support the proposed multinational force.
The company has been unable to begin construction because Israeli restrictions have prevented workers and equipment from entering Gaza.
"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
The setback comes despite substantial financial commitments to the wider Gaza peace and reconstruction initiative.
At its inaugural meeting in February 2026, the Board of Peace announced $17 billion in funding pledges, including $10 billion from the United States and more than $7 billion from other countries.
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.