Hebrew media outlets have revealed that Indonesian forces are set to begin operations in the Gaza Strip within approximately two weeks, becoming the first foreign force to enter the enclave as part of a multinational stabilisation force.
The Hebrew channel i24 reported that the first delegation of Indonesian representatives is expected to arrive in the occupied Palestinian territories during the second week of March, to coordinate and plan the deployment of forces in Gaza.
According to the channel, members of the delegation are expected to meet with American and Israeli officials during the visit, and to enter the occupied Palestinian territories for the first time.
8,000 Soldiers Prepared
Last Sunday, Indonesia announced that it is preparing approximately 8,000 soldiers who may be deployed to the Gaza Strip within the framework of an international stabilisation force, in line with US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza.
The spokesperson for the Indonesian Armed Forces, Donny Pramono, told the Associated Press that the troops will be ready by the end of June, with 1,000 of them expected to complete preparations by April 2026.
At the same time, he noted that Jakarta has not yet made a final decision on whether to deploy forces to Gaza, and that discussions remain ongoing. He added that although the decision has not been finalised, the structure of the units and the operational timelines have already been prepared to ensure the forces are ready for deployment to Gaza at any time.
He further stated that the Indonesian soldiers designated for potential deployment will undergo medical examinations according to a specified schedule.
On Saturday, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that, should forces be sent to Gaza, their mandate would be limited in scope and humanitarian in nature.
“Will Not Participate in Combat”
The statement clarified that the forces would not take part in any combat operations. However, it did not rule out the possibility that the force could exercise the right to self defence as a last resort, in accordance with international law and to ensure the continuation of its mission.
It added that the area of operations for the Indonesian force would be confined to Gaza, described as an integral part of the Palestinian territories, while reaffirming Indonesia’s support for the establishment of a Palestinian state within the framework of the two state solution.
Indonesia is the largest Muslim majority country in the world, with a population of approximately 287 million people, and does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Israeli occupation.
On 16 January, the White House announced the adoption of governance structures for the transitional phase in Gaza. These include the Peace Council, the Gaza Executive Council, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and the International Stabilisation Force.
The International Stabilisation Force is expected to assume leadership of security operations in Gaza, oversee disarmament efforts, and secure the delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials into the Strip.
This move falls within the second phase of Trump’s plan to end the war on Gaza, which consists of 20 provisions and is backed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, issued on 17 November 2025.
The ceasefire agreement in force since 10 October 2025 brought to an end a two year war of genocide that claimed the lives of more than 72,000 Palestinians and left over 171,000 wounded, in addition to widespread destruction affecting nearly 90 per cent of civilian infrastructure. The United Nations has estimated the cost of reconstruction at approximately 70 billion US dollars.
