Why Indonesia’s lead role in Gaza peacekeeping force carries high political risk

Under a plan overseen by the US President's "Board of Peace," Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have pledged troops to an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. Announced by ISF commander General Jasper Jeffers on February 20, 2026, the force aims to bring security to the region, where conflict has resulted in significant casualties. Indonesia will contribute up to 8,000 personnel, including the deputy commander, while Kazakhstan will send troops and medical units. Morocco will deploy police officers. Egypt and Jordan will participate by training police officers for the ISF. Indonesia has stated its participation aims to uphold international law in Gaza.

The UN Security Council moved its meeting on Gaza and the West Bank to Wednesday to avoid conflicting with President Trump's inaugural Board of Peace meeting on Thursday. Several foreign ministers are expected to attend the UN session in New York, which was requested by Arab and Islamic nations to address the fragile Gaza ceasefire and Israeli settlement expansion. Trump announced that his Board of Peace member states pledged over $5 billion for Gaza humanitarian aid and reconstruction, along with personnel for a stabilization force, contingent on Hamas demilitarization. Israel joined the Board of Peace on February 11 after initial concerns about the involvement of Qatar and Turkey.

Donald Trump's Board of Peace is scheduled to convene in Washington D.C. for its inaugural meeting. The board, a key foreign policy initiative, aims to address global conflicts, with an initial focus on solidifying the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Trump envisions the board playing a significant role, potentially governing and rebuilding Gaza and even challenging the UN Security Council's conflict resolution role. However, the board faces challenges in Gaza, including ongoing violence, lack of disarmament by Hamas, and stalled progress for a Palestinian governing committee. Experts emphasize the need for tangible improvements on the ground to maintain the board's credibility. Over two dozen nations, including Israel, have joined as founding members.

In February 2026, Hamas urged President Trump's "Board of Peace" to halt Israel's alleged violations of the Gaza deal brokered in October 2025. This plea comes as the board prepares for its first formal meeting in Washington, D.C., while Palestinians await the full implementation of the peace agreement's second phase. Hamas claims that Israel's actions, including killings, displacement, and a siege, continue despite the truce. According to the Health Ministry, over 600 Palestinians have been killed and 1,600 wounded in Gaza since the agreement began. Hamas also called for the board to facilitate the entry of technocrats to govern and rebuild Gaza, lift the siege, and open border crossings, warning against Israel using the council as a cover for continued aggression. Recent reports indicate Israeli shelling and gunfire in Gaza City and Khan Younis.

Eleven Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza on Sunday, according to Palestinian officials. The IDF stated the strikes targeted terror infrastructure in response to Hamas ceasefire violations, claiming militants were killed after emerging from a tunnel. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported strikes on a tent encampment in northern Gaza killed at least six, while another strike in the south killed five. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement that began on October 10th. These strikes occurred amidst ongoing preparations for the second phase of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, including the formation of a UN-mandated international force to secure Gaza's borders and oversee Hamas's disarmament. The conflict was triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

On Sunday, Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 11 Palestinians, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military stated the strikes were a response to ceasefire violations by Hamas. Strikes hit a tent encampment for displaced families, Khan Younis, and the Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. Hamas accused Israel of a "massacre" against displaced Palestinians, while an Israeli military official described the strikes as "precise" and in line with international law, citing repeated ceasefire violations by Hamas. Both sides have blamed each other for violating the October ceasefire agreement, which is a key part of President Trump's plan to end the Gaza war.

A recent Israeli military assessment indicates Hamas is strengthening its control over Gaza by integrating loyalists into government and security positions. This development casts doubt on the viability of President Trump's peace plan, which hinges on Hamas relinquishing its weapons in exchange for Israeli withdrawal. Trump's "Board of Peace" is holding its first meeting to oversee Gaza's transitional governance. Hamas claims willingness to cede administrative control to a US-backed committee, but states Israel has prevented committee members from entering Gaza. Despite this, an Israeli official dismissed any future role for Hamas, claiming the group is finished as a governing authority in Gaza.

In Gaza, Palestinians have expressed skepticism regarding the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace," held on February 19, 2026. They view the board, initiated by Donald Trump, as a potential mechanism to further Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory. The concerns stem from a belief that the board will serve as "another gateway to the occupation of Palestine." The reaction highlights existing tensions and distrust surrounding international efforts aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians fear the board's actions will exacerbate the existing situation in Gaza.

Despite grandiose peace plans, the reality in Gaza remains dire following the recent conflict. Although a fragile cease-fire was established in October 2025, Israeli strikes have killed approximately 600 people since. Displaced Palestinians continue to live in tents amidst 60 million tons of war debris. While President Trump is preparing for the inaugural gathering of his "Board of Peace" and member states have pledged over $5 billion for reconstruction, the UN estimates rebuilding costs to exceed $50 billion. Plans are underway for an International Stabilization Force, including a potential military base in southern Gaza, but analysts blame both Hamas and Israel for the struggles of the cease-fire plan.