Indonesia's Appointment as ISF Deputy Commander Draws Hamas Response
Hamas has spoken out regarding the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) set to be deployed to Gaza, a force in which Indonesia has been appointed as one of the deputy commanders.
At the inaugural meeting of the “Peace Council” established by United States President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday, it was announced that several countries, including Indonesia, would send troops to the ISF. Indonesia was notably appointed as deputy commander of the force.
“Our position regarding international forces is clear,” said Hamas spokesperson Qassem, as reported by AFP on Saturday (21/2/2026).
“We want peacekeeping forces that monitor the ceasefire, ensure its implementation, and act as a buffer between the occupation army and our people in the Gaza Strip, without interfering in Gaza’s internal affairs,” he added.
The ISF aims to comprise 20,000 soldiers, along with a new police force. Indonesia has declared its readiness to send up to 8,000 troops.
Nickolay Mladenov, appointed as the high representative for Gaza by the United States, announced at the Peace Council meeting that recruitment had begun for a post-Hamas police force in Gaza.
“Training Palestinian police forces within their national framework is not an issue if the objective is to maintain internal security in the Gaza Strip and confront the chaos that the occupation and its militias seek to create,” Qassem added.
Indonesia Ready to Deploy 8,000 Troops
Previously, Army Information Service Chief Brigadier General Donny Pramono stated that Indonesia is prepared to deploy up to 1,000 soldiers to Gaza by April, with numbers potentially increasing to 8,000 by the end of June this year.
Indonesia is the first country to openly declare its willingness to send troops to Gaza. If realised, the figure would represent one of the largest contributions to a peacekeeping mission in the world. However, the deployment still awaits final approval from President Prabowo.
Besides Indonesia, Trump said countries that have committed to providing troops include Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania.
Foreign Minister Says Palestinian Representatives Understand the Plan
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said the Palestinian side understands the deployment of the International Stabilisation Force to Gaza. According to him, a Palestinian representative attended the Board of Peace meeting in Washington DC.
“Palestine was also there yesterday — Prof Dr Ali Shaath was present as a Palestinian representative who also serves as chairman of the NCAG, the National Committee on Administration of Gaza. So Palestine was already there, already aware, already understood. 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, after which subsequent phases would be carried out in Gaza.
“First, what they need is a safe and stable situation. So the comprehensive plan — the first key is a ceasefire, then creating a safe and stable environment. Only then can the subsequent phases be carried out, and that was also communicated yesterday,” he said.