Five nations have pledged troops for an international security force in Gaza, as announced by U.S. Army Maj.-Gen. Jasper Jeffers, head of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) during a meeting in Washington, D.C., convened by President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. The initial five countries contributing troops to the ISF are Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania. Additionally, Egypt and Jordan have committed to training police forces for the region.
The ISF is set to commence operations in Rafa, southern Gaza, focusing on police training and gradual expansion across sectors. The long-term vision includes deploying 20,000 ISF troops and training 12,000 police personnel, according to Jeffers.
In a significant development, President Trump revealed a $10 billion US contribution from the U.S. to the Board of Peace, though the funding source remains undisclosed, with Congress not involved in approving the initiative. Nine nations have already raised $7 billion as an initial payment for Gaza’s reconstruction, contingent on the disarmament of Hamas, which remains a challenging goal.
The Board of Peace, which notably excludes Palestinian representation, has broadened its scope beyond Gaza to address global conflicts. Trump emphasized the importance of strengthening the United Nations, aiming to allay concerns about the potential undermining of the UN’s diplomatic and conflict resolution role.
With regard to the international security force, Indonesia has committed to providing over 8,000 troops, while Kazakhstan plans on deploying military units, including medical teams, to support the stabilization force. Additionally, around 2,000 Palestinians have applied to join a new transitional Palestinian police force, as per Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza.
Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem have expressed differing views on the disarmament process, with Netanyahu affirming Hamas will be disarmed, while Hamas insists on international monitoring of the ceasefire.
Trump’s assertion that Norway would host a Board of Peace event was clarified by the Norwegian government, stating that the country would convene a meeting of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee (AHCL) for Palestinian aid but would not be joining Trump’s board.
Amidst the peace-building efforts, concerns persist over the effectiveness of the Board of Peace, particularly in addressing critical issues such as the disarmament of militant groups, reconstruction efforts, and humanitarian aid distribution in conflict zones like Gaza.
