Several countries, including Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania, have pledged troops to participate in a new international stabilization mission in Gaza, announced during a meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace in Washington, D.C.
The mission will be led by U.S. Army General Jasper Jeffers, appointed as head of the International Stabilization Force (ISF). Indonesia has accepted the position of deputy commander, signaling a prominent role in the peacekeeping effort.
Troop Contributions and Roles
- Indonesia: Up to 8,000 personnel will be deployed with a humanitarian mandate, focusing on civilian protection, humanitarian aid, health services, reconstruction, and training of the Palestinian Police. Indonesian forces will not engage in combat operations, according to the Foreign Ministry.
- Kazakhstan: Will deploy troops including medical units.
- Morocco: Plans to send police officers for stabilization duties.
- Albania: Will contribute troops following recent diplomatic engagement with Israel.
- Egypt and Jordan: Will provide training for Palestinian police officers.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the country’s participation is aimed at ensuring international law is upheld amid ongoing violence in Gaza, where at least 72,000 people have died in the current conflict.
International and Humanitarian Considerations
Amnesty International has raised concerns regarding the composition and mandate of the Board of Peace. Usman Hamid, head of Amnesty International Indonesia, warned that Indonesia risks involvement in activities that could violate International Humanitarian Law. He also highlighted the absence of Palestinian representation in the Board of Peace, while noting Israel’s prolonged occupation and alleged human rights violations.
In response, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry clarified that its forces would focus solely on humanitarian and capacity-building tasks, avoiding direct confrontation with armed groups.
Context and Goals
The stabilization mission is part of a broader effort to rebuild and secure Gaza following prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises. The initiative seeks to:
- Protect civilians and provide humanitarian aid
- Support local law enforcement and policing capacity
- Facilitate reconstruction and infrastructure restoration
- Reduce the risk of further escalations through international oversight
General Jeffers stated,
“With these first steps, we will help bring the security that Gaza needs.”
The mission reflects a coordinated international approach to addressing the humanitarian and security challenges in Gaza while balancing political and legal complexities.