Indonesia prepares to send humanitarian peacekeeping troops to Gaza

Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 military personnel to Gaza this year as part of a United Nations-authorised multinational peacekeeping effort, with the government emphasising that the mission will be strictly humanitarian.

The deployment is planned under the Gaza International Stabilisation Force (ISF), a US-led initiative established by a UN Security Council resolution in November 2025. Indonesia has been readying its forces for possible deployment, focusing on civilian protection, medical aid, humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, and training for the Palestinian police, Caliber.Az reports per CNA.

“Indonesian troops will not be involved in combat operations or any action leading to direct confrontation with any armed group,” the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that Indonesia would “terminate participation if the ISF’s implementation deviates” from the agreed terms, and that deployment would require the consent of the Palestinian Authority.

According to Indonesian news outlet Tempo, the statement also included several additional caveats, noting that the use of force would be allowed only in self-defence and strictly to maintain the mission’s mandate, with force being a last resort.

The ministry reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for Palestinian independence through a two-state solution, pledging to reject any demographic changes or forced relocation of the Palestinian people.

“Indonesia’s participation is based on the principle of respect for the preservation of Palestine and the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people,” it said, as quoted by Tempo.

Separately, Indonesia’s military headquarters stated on February 15 that around 1,000 troops are expected to be ready for deployment by April 2026, with full troop readiness targeted no later than June.

By Sabina Mammadli