Indonesia to start deploying Gaza peacekeeping force in April
Indonesia’s contribution to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza is set to start deploying in April, with 1,000 soldiers initially and around 8,000 by June. The force is expected to supervise ceasefire lines and border-related issues, though deployment still depends on conditions in Gaza.
Indonesia’s contribution to the International Stabilization Force (ISF), which will handle aspects of peacekeeping in Gaza during Phase II of the ceasefire, will start deploying in April and likely primarily deploy in June. The number of soldiers in April was set at 1,000, and the full June force at around 8,000. Aspects of the process for selecting and clearing soldiers to join the force are underway.
Indonesia also said that if conditions in Gaza were not ripe for deployment regarding any conflict with Hamas, the force might not ultimately travel to Gaza even if it was ready. Indonesia had been mentioned as a possible contributing country to the ISF along with the UAE, Egypt, Italy, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Qatar, and Turkey, but until now no country had moved from general promises to concrete readiness to send troops.
Indonesia is expected to be the first segment of the ISF in Gaza. Neither the ISF in general, nor Indonesia in particular, is expected to seek direct confrontation with Hamas or to proactively disarm them.
Rather, they are expected to supervise current ceasefire lines and possibly handle other border-related issues. Indonesian soldiers are expected to supervise some of the defense lines in the Khan Yunis and Rafah areas of southern Gaza.
The coming months will still require resolving complex issues, such as the rules of engagement should Hamas make contact with the Indonesian chapter of the ISF. There are also questions about which countries will follow Indonesia’s example, and when.