What's happened
Indonesia has announced its readiness to deploy up to 20,000 troops to Gaza as part of a US-led international stabilization force. The deployment depends on a UN Security Council resolution and ongoing diplomatic discussions, with focus on health and infrastructure tasks amid uncertain mandates and timing.
What's behind the headline?
The push for an international stabilization force in Gaza reflects a strategic effort to enforce a long-term ceasefire and demilitarization. Indonesia's willingness to contribute troops underscores its support for Palestinian sovereignty and regional stability. However, the uncertainty surrounding the UN resolution and the mandate's scope indicates significant diplomatic hurdles. The US aims to deploy the force by early 2026, but many countries remain hesitant about sending troops into a volatile conflict zone where the risk of kinetic engagement with Hamas persists. The US's framing of the force as a peacekeeping operation masks its potential for offensive actions, such as disarmament, which Hamas publicly rejects. The broader geopolitical context involves regional tensions, notably Turkey's criticism of Israeli actions and its opposition to Turkish involvement in Gaza. The outcome hinges on international consensus, with the US seeking to leverage diplomatic pressure while managing regional sensitivities. The deployment of such a force could reshape Gaza's security landscape, but success depends on clear mandates, regional cooperation, and sustained diplomatic engagement. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the force materializes and how it will influence the ongoing conflict.
What the papers say
Reuters reports Indonesia's readiness to deploy troops and its support for the UN resolution, emphasizing health and infrastructure tasks. Al Jazeera highlights Indonesia's focus on healthcare and construction, with ongoing discussions involving regional leaders. The Times of Israel details the US draft resolution, the scope of the proposed force, and the political complexities, including Turkey's opposition and Hamas's stance on disarmament. All sources underscore the diplomatic uncertainty and regional dynamics shaping the potential deployment, with US officials optimistic about early 2026 deployment but facing significant diplomatic hurdles.
How we got here
Indonesia, a long-standing supporter of the Palestinian cause and the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, has been in discussions with the US and other nations about contributing troops to a proposed international force in Gaza. The US has drafted a resolution to establish a UN-mandated stabilization force aimed at demilitarizing Gaza, securing borders, and supporting Palestinian police. Indonesia has prepared to send up to 20,000 troops focused on health and construction, contingent on a UN Security Council resolution. The initiative is part of broader efforts following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, with ongoing diplomatic negotiations involving multiple countries and regional actors.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are the Key Global Political Shifts and Elections Happening Right Now?
Recent developments around the world highlight significant political shifts, from historic elections in major cities to controversial elections in Africa and tense border conflicts in the Middle East. Understanding these events can help you grasp the broader implications for regional stability and international relations. Below, we explore some of the most pressing questions about these ongoing political changes.
-
What’s the latest on regional conflicts and humanitarian efforts?
Recent developments around the world highlight ongoing conflicts and efforts to rebuild and stabilize affected regions. From Indonesia’s potential role in Gaza to piracy off Somalia, these stories impact global security and humanitarian aid. Below, find answers to common questions about these critical issues and what they mean for the future.
-
What is Indonesia's plan to send troops to Gaza?
Indonesia has expressed readiness to deploy up to 20,000 troops to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping effort backed by the US and the UN. This move aims to support peace, demilitarisation, and humanitarian aid in a region facing ongoing conflict. But what does this mean for Gaza and the wider conflict? Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the situation better.
More on these topics
-
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i
-
Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is an Indonesian politician, businessman and former Army lieutenant General who is the currently-appointed Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
-
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN