Will 20,000 Soldiers and 12,000 Policemen Secure Gaza?
Synopsis
In a bold move towards stabilizing Gaza, the newly-formed ISF is set to deploy 20,000 soldiers alongside 12,000 Palestinian police officers. Will this initiative lead to lasting peace in the region, or will it face challenges? Discover the latest updates and implications of this significant agreement.
Key Takeaways
20,000 soldiers and 12,000 Palestinian police officers will form the ISF.
Training will occur in Egypt and Jordan .
Financial support of $7 billion pledged is significantly less than needed.
Concerns exist regarding the Board of Peace 's effectiveness.
Demilitarization of Hamas is crucial for Gaza's reconstruction.
Washington, Feb 20 (NationPress) Jasper Jeffers, the commander of the newly-established International Stabilization Force (ISF) under a peace agreement for Gaza, announced that the ISF is set to consist of 20,000 soldiers collaborating with 12,000 Palestinian police officers in the Gaza Strip.
According to Jeffers, training for both the ISF and the Palestinian police will be conducted in Egypt and Jordan, as he spoke at the first meeting of the US-proposed Board of Peace, reported by Xinhua news agency.
Troops from the governments of Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Albania, and Kosovo have pledged their support to the ISF that is intended to be deployed to Gaza, according to the US major general. However, he did not disclose the specific numbers or the timeline for deployment.
US President Donald Trump mentioned at the meeting that nine nations -- Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait -- have collectively pledged $7 billion for Gaza relief, which is significantly lower than the estimated $70 billion required for reconstruction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated at the graduation ceremony of the Israel Defense Forces that there will be no reconstruction of the Gaza Strip until Hamas is demilitarized.
Trump officially launched the Board of Peace last month in Davos, Switzerland. This US-led initiative has faced skepticism and indifference, with many countries voicing concerns regarding its potential to overshadow or conflict with the role of the United Nations.
European Council President Antonio Costa expressed that the EU has significant doubts about various aspects of the Board of Peace, including its scope, governance, and alignment with the UN Charter.
Point of View
My perspective aligns with the nation's interest in a stable and peaceful Gaza. The formation of the ISF signals a potential shift in the region's dynamics, but the success of this initiative hinges on cooperation between all involved parties and the effective demilitarization of Hamas.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Stabilization Force?
The International Stabilization Force (ISF) is a newly-formed military group aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Gaza, comprising 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 Palestinian police officers.
Where will the training for the ISF occur?
Training for the ISF and the Palestinian police will take place in Egypt and Jordan.
Which countries are contributing to the ISF?
Countries such as Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Albania, and Kosovo have committed troops to the ISF.
What financial support has been pledged for Gaza?
Nine nations, including Kazakhstan and the UAE, have pledged a total of $7 billion for Gaza relief, although this falls short of the estimated $70 billion needed for reconstruction.
What are the concerns regarding the Board of Peace?
Many countries, including EU representatives, have expressed doubts about the Board of Peace's scope, governance, and compatibility with the UN Charter.
