What's happened
Indonesia has expressed readiness to deploy up to 20,000 troops to Gaza as part of a US-backed international stabilisation force. The move aims to support a UN resolution for peace and demilitarisation, focusing on health and infrastructure, amid ongoing negotiations and uncertainty about deployment details.
What's behind the headline?
The potential deployment of Indonesian troops signals a significant shift in regional diplomacy and international peace efforts. Indonesia's willingness to contribute up to 20,000 troops underscores its commitment to the Palestinian cause and its strategic interest in regional stability. However, the ambiguity surrounding the force's mandate and the reluctance of some countries to engage in kinetic operations highlight the complex geopolitical landscape. The US's push for a rapid deployment aims to prevent further escalation, but the lack of consensus on the force's role—peacekeeping versus peace enforcement—raises questions about the force's effectiveness and the broader prospects for sustainable peace in Gaza. The involvement of countries like Indonesia, which has no diplomatic ties with Israel, complicates the diplomatic dynamics and underscores the importance of international legitimacy for such missions. The next few weeks will determine whether the UN resolution passes and if the force can be operationalized before the end of the year, potentially shaping the future of Gaza's stability.
What the papers say
Reuters reports Indonesia's readiness to deploy troops and its focus on health and infrastructure tasks, emphasizing the country's support for a UN-mandated peacekeeping force. Al Jazeera highlights the uncertainty surrounding the force's mandate and the focus on healthcare and construction, with Indonesian officials awaiting further decisions. The Times of Israel provides context on Indonesia's historical stance on Palestine, its lack of diplomatic ties with Israel, and the recent discussions with US and Jordanian officials. All sources agree on Indonesia's preparedness but differ on the specifics of deployment timing and mandate, reflecting broader international debates about the force's role and legitimacy. The US is actively pushing for a vote on the resolution, aiming for deployment early next year, but faces resistance from countries wary of engaging in military operations in Gaza.
How we got here
Amid ongoing efforts to establish peace in Gaza, the US has drafted a resolution for a multinational stabilisation force, including countries like Indonesia, Egypt, and Azerbaijan. Indonesia, a long-standing supporter of Palestine, has indicated it is prepared to send troops if authorized by a UN resolution. The US and other nations are negotiating the force's mandate, which would focus on demilitarisation, border security, and humanitarian aid, but details remain uncertain. Indonesia's stance has evolved, with officials emphasizing readiness to contribute, contingent on international approval, despite no diplomatic ties with Israel.
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