Indonesia has announced it is preparing 1,000 soldiers for possible deployment to Gaza by early April as part of a proposed multinational peacekeeping force. The army said the final decision will depend on government approval, while plans are already in place to make 8,000 troops ready by June.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump revealed that member states of the newly formed Board of Peace will pledge more than five billion dollars for Gaza’s reconstruction and humanitarian support. He also confirmed that thousands of international personnel would contribute to a UN-authorised stabilisation force and local policing efforts.
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The first official meeting of the Board of Peace is scheduled for February 19 at the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace, with delegations from more than twenty countries expected to attend. The initiative includes regional powers such as Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Israel, alongside emerging nations like Indonesia.
However, the project has faced criticism, as permanent members are required to contribute one billion dollars each, raising concerns about a “pay-to-play” system. Several Western countries, including France, Italy, Norway and New Zealand, have declined to join the board despite its endorsement by the United Nations Security Council.
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The board was created as part of a wider plan to stabilise Gaza following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that officially began in October. Although the ceasefire reduced large-scale fighting, both sides continue to accuse each other of repeated violations.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire started, while Israel reports the deaths of four soldiers. These figures underline the fragile security situation and the urgency behind international peacekeeping efforts.