Feb 16 • 09:03 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Indonesia prepares a thousand soldiers to deploy in Gaza as part of an international peace mission

Indonesia is preparing to send a thousand soldiers to Gaza as part of a proposed multinational peacekeeping force.

The Indonesian military spokesperson announced that the country is gearing up to deploy a thousand military personnel to Gaza by April, as part of an international peacekeeping mission. This move is contingent on a final decision by the Indonesian president, Joko Widodo. Additionally, a total of 8,000 soldiers are expected to be ready for deployment by June, although the exact timing is still subject to political decisions and relevant international mechanisms.

This decision comes amidst ongoing international efforts to end the conflict in Gaza, particularly since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023. Currently, President Widodo is preparing to visit Washington D.C. for the inaugural meeting of what is termed the "Peace Council," chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, set for February 19. This council's establishment was sanctioned by the UN Security Council, facilitating the creation of an international force tasked with maintaining peace in the region.

The Indonesian initiative reflects a broader international response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, seeking to stabilize the region and prevent further escalation of violence. As the peacekeeping mission takes shape, the effectiveness of such multicultural forces and their impact on the ground will be closely scrutinized, especially given the intricate geopolitical dynamics in play.

📡 Similar Coverage