Five countries have pledged troops for an international security force in Gaza, as confirmed by the commander of the force at a meeting in Washington, D.C., convened by President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. U.S. army Maj.-Gen. Jasper Jeffers announced that Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have committed troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF), while Egypt and Jordan have agreed to train police personnel. The ISF will initially deploy in Rafa, southern Gaza, focusing on police training and gradual sector expansion.
According to Jeffers, the long-term objective is to enlist 20,000 ISF troops and train 12,000 police officers. President Trump revealed a U.S. contribution of $10 billion to the Board of Peace, with the funding source yet to be clarified and Congress not involved in authorizing the initiative. Additionally, nine nations have collectively raised $7 billion as an initial payment for Gaza’s reconstruction, contingent on Hamas disarmament, a goal that remains elusive.
Trump’s Board of Peace, initially proposed last September to address the Israel-Gaza conflict, is expanding its scope beyond Gaza to address global conflicts. Notably, the board includes Israel but lacks Palestinian representation, raising concerns about potential UN undercutting. Trump assured that the board aims to strengthen the United Nations amid skepticism from Western allies, including Canada, which declined participation due to high admission costs.
Indonesia’s President Parbowo Subianto committed 8,000 or more troops, while Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pledged military units, including medical teams, to the stabilization force. Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza, stated that 2,000 Palestinians have applied to join the new Palestinian police force. However, Hamas remains hesitant to disarm, critical to Trump’s Gaza plan that initiated a fragile ceasefire last October.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Hamas’ imminent disarmament, warning of potential forceful measures if necessary. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem emphasized the need for international oversight to maintain the ceasefire and curb Israeli aggression in Gaza. Norway clarified that it would host a meeting for Palestinian aid but would not join Trump’s Board of Peace, affirming its leadership in the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee.
Despite Trump’s peace efforts in the Middle East, concerns persist amid heightened U.S. military presence in the region, particularly regarding negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. Trump’s warning of consequences for Iran failing to reach an agreement has added to regional tensions.