Military delegations from Uganda and Burundi recently traveled to Israel to explore participation in an international security force intended to support stability in Gaza. The discussions are part of a broader initiative outlined by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace to maintain the fragile ceasefire in the territory.
Uganda has advanced its involvement significantly, with parliamentary approval of a troop contribution this month and finalization of deployment details underway. The country plans to contribute approximately 1,200 personnel to the mission. Burundi has also expressed interest in joining the effort, though no final agreement has been reached. Officials from both nations indicated their intent to participate, though specific details regarding the nature and scope of their contributions remain undisclosed.
The potential African deployments would add to existing commitments from Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania. Morocco has pledged up to 500 troops, while Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania combined have committed around 80 personnel. Indonesia previously indicated plans to send 8,000 troops but suspended that commitment following military actions involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran. The envisioned international force is designed to reach 20,000 personnel and would be led by U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers.
According to recent agreements, the International Stabilization Force would monitor the ceasefire, train Palestinian security forces, and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery across Gaza. Current troop commitments remain significantly below the target force size. Experts note that Uganda and Burundi possess substantial peacekeeping experience from their deployments in Somalia with the African Union, and their participation could provide them with financial and military support as they transition from that mission.
The deployment discussions occur amid ongoing tensions over ceasefire implementation. Last October, a ceasefire took effect in Gaza, but progress has stalled due to disagreements regarding Israeli military withdrawal and Hamas disarmament. While Hamas has accepted recent U.S. proposals for the terms of peace, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the framework, insisting Israel will maintain control of approximately 60 percent of Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed.
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