International Gaza Stabilization Force Awaits Ceasefire Phase for Deployment
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An international force planned to stabilize Gaza cannot begin operations until a second phase of the ceasefire is implemented. Key troop contributors, including Indonesia, have paused or limited their commitments, citing unresolved operational guidelines and regional tensions.
Facts First
- The planned International Stabilization Force for Gaza (ISF) is on hold pending a second ceasefire phase involving Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal.
- Indonesia has put its pledge of 8,000 troops on indefinite hold, citing a lack of implementation guidelines and regional tensions.
- Other pledged contributions are limited or pending, with Kazakhstan offering only humanitarian support and Albania conducting reconnaissance but sending no troops.
- The force was announced by President Trump's Board of Peace (BoP) in February 2026, with U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers tapped to lead.
- Israeli troops control approximately 60% of Gaza, and local health officials report over 880 Palestinian deaths from strikes since the ceasefire began.
What Happened
President Donald Trump's Board of Peace (BoP) announced the International Stabilization Force for Gaza (ISF), a planned 20,000-strong force to be led by U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers. Five countries pledged troops: Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania. However, Indonesia put its commitment on indefinite hold approximately one week after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. The director of the BoP, Nickolay Mladenov, stated that the international force cannot begin operations until a second phase of the ceasefire is implemented, involving Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal.
Why this Matters to You
A stalled international force means the path to stabilizing Gaza and securing a lasting ceasefire remains uncertain, which could prolong regional instability. For you, this continued uncertainty may affect global security perceptions and could influence foreign policy debates and international aid allocations. The specific hold by Indonesia highlights how geopolitical events can quickly reshape international commitments.
What's Next
The deployment of the ISF is contingent on the implementation of the second ceasefire phase, which involves Hamas disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal from areas seized since the ceasefire began. Further troop contributions from other pledged nations may also depend on clearer operational guidelines and a reduction in regional tensions. The situation may evolve based on diplomatic negotiations between the involved parties.