Indonesian Forces in Gaza Focus on Humanitarian, Not Disarmament

JAKARTA - The Indonesian troops who will be sent as part of the International Stabilization Forces (ISF) to the Gaza Strip, Palestine, will focus on humanitarian, not disarmament.

The deployment of the ISF coincides with the start of the second phase of the Gaza peace announced last month. The delivery of the ISF is also mentioned in Point 7 of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, in which the ISF is tasked with stabilizing security, securing humanitarian corridors until permanent disarmament of non-state armed groups.

Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vahd Nabil A. Mulachela, said Indonesia continues to carry out the preparation process for sending troops to the Palestinian enclave.

"Regarding the timeline, there is nothing definitive, the number is also not definitive, but the process is indeed being carried out and this indeed requires coordination, not only within the country, but also with parties abroad," he explained to the media on Tuesday (10/2).

"Regarding the mandate and term of involvement, it is a matter that needs discussion and this is still ongoing," he continued.

"As for Indonesia's involvement, it has been explained that it is more focused on humanitarian and not involved in disarmament," he said.

When confirmed separately, Nabyl said Indonesia's approach to the humanitarian aspect.

"Indonesia's approach will focus on the protection of civilians, humanitarian support and the reconstruction of Gaza, as well as a clearly defined and non-offensive role," he explained in a short message to VOI.id.

Previously, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported on Tuesday that: "Preparations have begun on the ground to host Indonesian soldiers in Gaza, who will be integrated into the international stabilization force."

KAN said there was no definite date for the arrival of the troops, but the first foreign troops expected to reach Gaza were from Indonesia, as reported by Anadolu.

KAN said the area south of the Gaza Strip, between the cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, had been prepared to receive Indonesian troops.

Citing unnamed sources, the broadcaster said the designated area "is ready," but preparations for buildings and housing there "will take several weeks."

"The number of Indonesian soldiers is estimated to be several thousand, and discussions have been taking place with Jakarta regarding the initial plan to deploy Indonesian troops and how they will be transported to Gaza," the broadcaster said.

Nabyl emphasized that Indonesia's desire to participate in the peace efforts in Gaza remained with careful consideration.

"The focus of the current discussion is to ensure a clear mandate, protection of civilians, and consistency with the long-standing Indonesian peacekeeping principles," he explained.

"At this stage, no final decisions have been made, and we have not been able to confirm details regarding the number, composition, duration, or specific areas of operation," he said.

Separately, Deputy Minister of Defense (Wamenhan) Donny Ermawan Taufanto said all preparations had been made and the government was currently only waiting for political decisions and departure time.

"The TNI Commander has prepared our soldiers to be deployed at any time. We are just waiting for the order and coordination when we leave. The point is, we are ready," said Donny at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta.