Jakarta: Indonesia will assume the role of deputy commander of operations in the international peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip, as part of a strategic deployment to support peace efforts in the region. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono announced this development, revealing plans for Indonesia to gradually deploy approximately 20,000 troops over the next five years.
According to Thai News Agency, an Indonesian military spokesman had previously stated that an initial deployment of 1,000 troops was scheduled to occur by early April. This commitment is part of a broader initiative involving Indonesia and four other nations, aimed at contributing troops to the International Security Force (ISF) in Gaza. This initiative is a component of a 20-point agenda proposed by US President Donald Trump, which seeks to conclude the Gaza conflict by 2025. In response to these developments, protests by discontented Indonesians were reported last week in front of the US embassy in Jakarta.
A spokesman for Hamas expressed the organization's position regarding the ISF's presence in Gaza. Hamas desires a peacekeeping force that observes and ensures a ceasefire, acting as a buffer between occupying forces and the people of Gaza, while refraining from interfering in Gaza's internal matters.
The announcement of troop pledges from Indonesia, Morocco, Albania, Kosovo, and Kazakhstan was made by the U.S. leader during the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Committee in Washington, D.C., on February 19. These forces are set to gradually replace Israeli soldiers in Gaza.