Indonesia Reportedly To Be The Main Component Of The International Forces In Gaza, This Is The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs' Explanation

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ensured Indonesia's readiness to send peacekeepers to the Gaza Strip, with preparations and coordination currently underway, underscoring that deliveries are carried out under the framework of the United Nations.

This was said by the Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengang, regarding an Arab media report that stated that Indonesia would become one of the main components of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip.

"The Indonesian government continues to closely monitor developments in Gaza and fully support postwar reconstruction efforts," Yvonne told VOI.id, Thursday, October 23.

"As stated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia in a speech at the UN General Assembly Session, Indonesia is ready to make a real contribution in the form of sending peacekeeping troops, if the United Nations through the Security Council gives an official mandate," Yvonne continued.

Earlier, Arab media quoted sources familiar with the ISF issue as saying Egypt was expected to lead international joint forces in the Gaza Strip under the mandate of the UN Security Council.

Arab News quoted diplomatic sources as saying the troops would consist of Egypt, Indonesia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, The National quoted sources familiar with the matter as saying the number of troops to be deployed from the four countries was around 4,000 personnel. However, it did not explain the division of the number of troops from each country mentioned.

Quoting President Prabowo's speech regarding Indonesia's readiness to send 20,000 of its soldiers at the 80th UN General Assembly last month, Yvonne said that preparations and coordination were currently being made.

"Currently, Indonesia's steps are at the stage of preparing and coordinating between agencies. In principle, every assignment will follow the decisions and framework of the United Nations," said Yvonne.

"The President of the Republic of Indonesia has conveyed Indonesia's readiness to send 20,000 peacekeepers. Of course, its implementation will adjust the needs and mandates set by the United Nations," he said.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reported by the weekend that proposed troops would have broad powers similar to those given to international forces in Haiti to fight armed groups.

Washington reportedly supports the UN's mandate for the mission, without making it a complete UN peacekeeping operation.

Meanwhile, The National sources said the troops were decided not to have heavy weapons, relying solely on self-defense firearms and armored vehicles.

The troops will initially be deployed in regions that have been withdrawn by the Israeli military based on the first phase of President Trump's plans, the source explained.

The troops will later expand their deployment areas when the Israeli military imposes further withdrawals based on President Trump's plans.

Later, they will work together with about 3,000 Palestinians appointed by the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority. Palestinians will be responsible for the collection of preventive intelligence and security in Gaza, the source said.

Some of them have been trained by Egypt and Jordan. However, the ISF troops will not enter Israel's proposed security route which will stretch across the Gaza border, 1.5 km deep in some areas.

The proposed troop mandate includes monitoring the construction of field hospitals to compensate for significant damage suffered by health facilities in the region. The troops are also given the mandate to repair bakeries and other vital infrastructure locations.

It is known that the deployment of stabilization troops is part of a second phase of President Trump's proposal for peace of Gaza, which includes potentially problematic measures such as the removal of Hamas weapons, negotiations of long-term ceasefires, the future of Hamas, and the postwar Gaza government.

Yvonne ensured that Indonesia's willingness to participate emphasized the principle of active foreign policy.

"This step affirms Indonesia's commitment to continue to play an active role in maintaining peace and helping Gaza's reconstruction in accordance with the political principles of active free foreign countries and based on international mandates," said Yvonne.