Indonesia Prepares Eight Thousand Troops for Gaza Deployment

[Mudhab]

Indonesia's military announced on Sunday that up to 8,000 troops could be ready by the end of June for a possible humanitarian and peacekeeping mission in Gaza. This marks the first concrete commitment to a key part of postwar reconstruction efforts proposed under former US President Donald Trump's initiative. The deployment, if approved, would support recovery efforts in the war-torn territory.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has completed plans detailing troop structure and deployment timelines. However, the government has not yet made a final political decision on when the mission will begin. Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono confirmed that preparations are ongoing while awaiting official authorization.

Pramono emphasized that the military stands ready for assignment at any time. He stated that troops are fully prepared and could be dispatched quickly once the government grants approval. According to him, the 8,000 personnel will form a composite brigade structured specifically for the Gaza mission.

Preparations began following a February 12 planning meeting. Throughout February, selected troops will undergo medical examinations and complete required documentation. A comprehensive readiness review is scheduled for the end of the month to ensure operational preparedness.

About 1,000 troops are expected to be prepared as an advance team by April. The remaining forces would follow by June, completing the planned deployment strength. Nevertheless, Pramono clarified that readiness does not automatically mean departure, as the final decision depends on political approval and international coordination mechanisms.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has consistently stressed that any role in Gaza will remain strictly humanitarian. The mission would focus on protecting civilians, delivering medical assistance, and supporting reconstruction efforts. Indonesian forces would not participate in combat or engage in direct confrontations with armed groups.

If carried out, Indonesia would become the first country to formally commit troops to the security framework established under Trump's Board of Peace initiative in Gaza. The region has experienced a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas since October 11, after two years of intense conflict. As the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia has long supported a two-state solution and has actively provided humanitarian aid to Gaza, including funding medical facilities. The country is also among the top contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions, with prior experience in operations such as those in Lebanon.