Indonesia Receives Palestinian Approval for Gaza Peacekeeping Role
Indonesia’s plan to participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza has been approved by Palestinian authorities, according to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The approval aligns with Indonesia’s humanitarian mission, officials stated.
Palestinian Consent a Key Prerequisite
“We are doing this with the consent of the Palestinian side. It becomes a part of Indonesia’s involvement in the ISF,” said Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela during a press conference as reported by MR Online. The ministry emphasized that Palestinian approval was a primary prerequisite for Indonesia’s participation, ensuring troops will be deployed only within Gaza, which is considered an integral part of Palestinian territory.
Deployment Plans and Troop Preparation
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi announced on February 10 that Indonesia intends to send approximately 8,000 personnel to join the mission in Gaza as detailed by the BBC. The Indonesian Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, has confirmed that the military is actively preparing troops for the peacekeeping mission according to Reuters. Yet, the departure schedule and specific operational details, including mandate, duration, placement and implementation mechanisms, are still pending.
ISF Mandate and Oversight
The ISF will operate under the authority of the Board of Peace, established by U.S. President Donald Trump and authorized by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 on November 17, 2025. The Board’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for Washington on February 19, 2026 as reported by the BBC.
Humanitarian Focus and Limitations
Indonesia’s involvement will focus on a humanitarian mandate, including civilian protection, delivery of aid and healthcare, support for reconstruction efforts, and training for Palestinian police forces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed that Indonesian troops will not participate in combat operations or missions aimed at disarming Palestinian resistance groups as outlined in the ministry’s statement.
The use of force by Indonesian troops is limited to self-defense and mandate protection, adhering to principles of proportionality, gradual escalation, and international law. Indonesia reserves the right to withdraw its participation if the ISF deviates from its stated caveats or conflicts with Indonesian foreign policy. The government also reaffirmed its opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians according to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.