Indonesian Foreign Minister Confirms Palestine Understands ISF Troop Deployment to Gaza

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has stated that the Palestinian side understands the deployment of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to Gaza. According to him, a Palestinian representative attended the Board of Peace meeting in Washington DC, United States.

“Yesterday, Palestine was also present — Prof Dr Ali Shaath was there as a Palestinian representative who is also the chairman of the NCAG, the National Committee on Administration of Gaza. So Palestine was already there, already knew about it, already understood. Furthermore, we have also conveyed our national caveats, so everyone has been involved,” Sugiono said.

According to Sugiono, Ali Shaath conveyed that Palestine needs a safe and stable situation. Subsequently, further stages would be carried out in Gaza.

“First, what they need is a safe and stable situation. So in the comprehensive plan, the first key is a ceasefire, then creating a safe and stable environment. Only then can the subsequent stages be carried out, and this was also conveyed yesterday,” he said.

Additionally, Sugiono emphasised that the ISF operation in Gaza is not a military operation. He stated that the ISF’s task is to protect civilians.

“We have also conveyed our national caveats to the ISF — that we will not conduct military operations, we will not carry out disarmament, and we will not engage in what is termed demilitarisation. What we will do is protect civilians on both sides and participate in humanitarian efforts on the ground,” he said.

However, Indonesian troops retain the right to defend themselves if attacked. He stressed that Indonesian forces in Gaza will not conduct military operations.

“Of course, there are matters relating to rules of engagement that we can exercise as troops if we are attacked, in the context of self-defence. But, once again, Indonesia’s involvement in the ISF and the contribution of Indonesian troops is not for carrying out demilitarisation activities or military operations,” he said.