The commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) announced that five countries have pledged troops for an international security force in Gaza. Major-General Jasper Jeffers revealed that Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have committed troops, with Egypt and Jordan agreeing to train police forces. The ISF will initially deploy in Rafa, southern Gaza, focusing on training police and gradually expanding its operations across different sectors.
Jeffers outlined a long-term plan to deploy 20,000 ISF troops and train 12,000 police officers. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed a $10 billion contribution to the Board of Peace, a new initiative aimed at Gaza’s reconstruction. Trump highlighted that nine nations had already raised $7 billion for the reconstruction fund, contingent on Hamas disarming, a condition that remains unresolved.
No Palestinian representation on board
Trump also mentioned that FIFA and the United Nations would contribute $75 million and $2 billion, respectively, towards Gaza’s sports projects and humanitarian aid. The Board of Peace, which includes Israel but lacks Palestinian representation, was initially proposed by Trump to address the conflict in Gaza and potentially expand its mandate to other global conflicts.
U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his ‘Board for Peace’ in Davos, Switzerland, but so far, few Western allies have joined. Originally endorsed by the United Nations as part of a Gaza peace plan, its charter makes no mention of Gaza at all. Some critics are now accusing Trump of trying to set up his own rival UN.
Concerns have been raised that the Board of Peace could overshadow the UN’s role in global diplomacy and conflict resolution, prompting Trump to emphasize the importance of strengthening the United Nations. Despite this, many NATO and EU allies have chosen not to participate, including Canada, which declined due to high admission costs for a permanent seat.
Key challenges ahead involve the disarmament of Hamas militants, the scale of Gaza’s reconstruction efforts, and the distribution of humanitarian aid in the region. The success of the board will be tested in the coming weeks and months.
Regarding the international security force, Indonesia and Kazakhstan confirmed their commitments to contribute troops, with Indonesia pledging 8,000 or more troops and Kazakhstan deploying military units, including medical teams. Additionally, 2,000 Palestinians have applied to join a new transitional police force in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated plans to disarm Hamas, emphasizing that the group will face consequences if it does not comply. Meanwhile, Hamas expressed willingness for international forces to monitor the ceasefire and prevent further Israeli aggression, without committing to full disarmament.