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Sunday 22/02/2026

Indonesia Prepares Historic Troop Deployment to Gaza Under US Peace Plan

Indonesian troops in peacekeeping uniforms in Gaza
James OkoroJames Okoro

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of a peacekeeping mission under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
  • The troops will focus on medical and engineering roles, with training already underway, according to General Maruli Simanjuntak.
  • The deployment is part of the International Stabilization Force, aimed at securing Gaza's borders and demilitarizing the region, including disarming Hamas.
  • President Prabowo Subianto's decision to join Trump's Board of Peace has faced criticism in Indonesia due to US involvement in Gaza.
  • The deployment site for Indonesian troops has been designated between Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Indonesia is set to make history as it prepares to deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza, marking the first international military presence in the territory since 1967. This move is part of a broader peacekeeping initiative under a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, aimed at stabilizing the region and supporting the demilitarization of Hamas.

Troop Preparation and Roles

General Maruli Simanjuntak, the Indonesian army chief of staff, announced that training for the troops has commenced, with a focus on medical and engineering roles. "We’ve started training people who could potentially become peacemakers," Simanjuntak stated, emphasizing the supportive nature of the mission. The deployment is part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), which has a mandate from the United Nations Security Council to secure Gaza's borders and ensure the territory's demilitarization.

Political Context and Criticism

President Prabowo Subianto's decision to join the Board of Peace, a group of world leaders led by former President Donald Trump, has sparked controversy in Indonesia. Critics argue against US involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, citing widespread public anger over the US role in Israel's actions in Gaza. However, Subianto maintains that Indonesia, as the world's largest Muslim nation, has a responsibility to contribute to peace efforts in pursuit of a two-state solution.

Deployment Site and International Reactions

The designated site for the Indonesian troops is located between Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza. While Indonesia is the first to commit troops, other Muslim-majority countries like Turkey and Pakistan are considering similar contributions, albeit strictly as peacekeepers without involvement in disarming Hamas. The presence of foreign troops, particularly from an Islamic country, is likely to face opposition from Israeli hardliners who view it as a step towards Palestinian statehood.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The deployment of Indonesian troops to Gaza could significantly impact the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If successful, the mission may pave the way for further international involvement in peacekeeping efforts. However, the reluctance of countries to engage in the disarmament of Hamas highlights the complexities of achieving lasting peace. The presence of foreign troops may also exacerbate tensions within Israel's political landscape, particularly among those opposed to Palestinian statehood. As the situation unfolds, the international community will closely monitor the effectiveness of the ISF and its implications for regional stability.