Indonesia Pledges Up to 8,000 Troops for Gaza Peacekeeping Mission
In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Indonesia has announced its readiness to deploy up to 8,000 military personnel to a Gaza peacekeeping force. This commitment, reported by The Associated Press on February 13, 2026, represents Indonesia's first firm and substantial pledge to the international peacekeeping effort aimed at stabilizing the war-torn region.
A Major Military Contribution
The Indonesian government has formally confirmed its preparedness to contribute between 7,000 and 8,000 troops, making it one of the largest potential contributors to the proposed Gaza peacekeeping mission. This move underscores Indonesia's growing role in global security affairs and its commitment to Middle Eastern peace initiatives. The troops are expected to be drawn from various branches of the Indonesian Armed Forces, which recently commemorated their 80th anniversary in October 2025 with ceremonies in Jakarta.
Context of the Israel-Hamas War
This troop commitment comes amid prolonged hostilities between Israel and Hamas, which have resulted in significant humanitarian crises and regional instability. The international community has been actively seeking ways to implement ceasefires and establish security frameworks in Gaza. Indonesia's pledge is seen as a crucial step toward building a multinational peacekeeping presence that could facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, protect civilians, and monitor compliance with any future peace agreements.
Strategic Implications and Readiness
Analysts note that Indonesia's decision reflects both its diplomatic stance and military readiness. As the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia has historically expressed solidarity with Palestinian causes, but this marks its most direct military involvement in the conflict. The troops are reportedly undergoing specific training for peacekeeping operations, focusing on conflict de-escalation, civilian protection, and coordination with other international forces. This deployment, if realized, would be one of Indonesia's largest overseas military engagements in recent decades.
International Response and Next Steps
The announcement has been welcomed by several countries and international organizations advocating for a peaceful resolution in Gaza. However, logistical details, including deployment timelines, funding, and operational mandates, are still being negotiated among participating nations. Indonesia's commitment is expected to encourage other countries to contribute personnel, potentially accelerating the formation of the full peacekeeping force. The move also highlights Indonesia's ambition to play a more prominent role in global peace and security, aligning with its status as a major Southeast Asian power.
This development signals a pivotal moment in international efforts to address the Gaza conflict, with Indonesia taking a lead role in providing tangible military support for peacekeeping objectives.
