Indonesia, Morocco among 5 countries to send troops to Gaza

KABUL (Pajhwok): Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania have pledged troops for Gaza, the newly formed International Stabilization Force (ISF), during the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., according to international media reports.

US Army General Jasper Jeffers, appointed as commander of the ISF, said Indonesia has accepted the position of deputy commander. “With these first steps, we will help bring the security that Gaza needs,” he said.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that its mandate is strictly humanitarian, focusing on civilian protection, humanitarian and health assistance, reconstruction, and training of the Palestinian Police.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, participating in the meeting, indicated that Indonesia could contribute up to 8,000 personnel.

Kazakhstan, led by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, pledged troops including medical units, while Morocco, through Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, announced the deployment of police officers.

Albania has also pledged personnel, and neighboring countries Egypt and Jordan will contribute by training police forces.

The inaugural meeting brought together representatives from nearly 50 countries. Of these, 27 are formal board members, with the remainder — including the European Union — attending as observers.

US President Donald Trump opened the session, noting that nine board members had collectively pledged $7 billion toward relief efforts in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

sa