GAZA: Uganda and Burundi are discussing the possibility of sending troops to Gaza as part of a proposed international security force under US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, amid efforts to support a fragile ceasefire and advance a broader political arrangement in the Palestinian territory.
Officials said Ugandan representatives joined a Burundian military delegation during a visit to Israel last week. Uganda is finalising details of its participation after its parliament approved a troop contribution earlier this month. No final agreement has yet been reached with Burundi, although officials indicated that the process could move forward soon.
A Board of Peace official said the Burundian representatives expressed interest in the proposed mission. A Burundian military official also said senior officers had led the delegation to Israel, indicating Burundi’s intention to examine participation in the force.
Uganda has committed around 1,200 personnel to the proposed mission. Morocco has pledged up to 500 troops, while Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania have together committed around 80 personnel. Indonesia had earlier announced preparations to send 8,000 troops, the largest commitment, before putting its plans on hold following the US and Israeli attack on Iran.
The proposed force aims to deploy 20,000 personnel and will operate under the leadership of US Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers. Current troop commitments remain far below the target.
Under the proposed arrangement, Hamas would disarm and Israeli forces would withdraw from parts of Gaza. The International Stabilisation Force would operate in areas administered by an incoming technocratic committee. Its duties would include monitoring the ceasefire, training Palestinian police and helping secure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The ceasefire, which took effect last October, has faced continuing disagreements over Israel’s withdrawal and Hamas’ disarmament. Hamas has agreed to a new US proposal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israeli forces will remain in areas under their control until Hamas is fully disarmed.
Uganda and Burundi bring experience from lengthy peacekeeping deployments in Somalia. Their participation would also strengthen efforts to build the proposed force as troop numbers remain below the required level.
A Ugandan military officer said troops were already being selected for deployment. The discussions indicate continuing efforts to establish the international force despite unresolved political differences over the future of Gaza and the implementation of the ceasefire.
