Military officials from Uganda and Burundi visited Israel last week to discuss deploying troops to Gaza as part of an international security force envisioned by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace for the fragile ceasefire, according to officials. A Board of Peace official told The that Ugandan officials joined a Burundian military delegation, and that Uganda is finalizing details of its participation after its parliament approved the troop contribution this month.
Nothing has been finalized with Burundi, but the official said they look forward to starting the process. A Burundian military official told the AP that three other senior military officers led the delegation to Israel and that Burundi appeared intent on joining. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
It was not clear what Uganda or Burundi might be offering or what they might receive in return. Spokespersons for their militaries did not respond to requests for comment. Progress on the international force has been slow If Burundi moves ahead, the African nations would be the latest to join the international force for Gaza after Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania made commitments.
Uganda has committed around 1,200 personnel, and Morocco has committed up to 500. Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania in total have committed around 80. Indonesia earlier said it was preparing to send 8,000 troops — by far the largest commitment — but put that on hold after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran.
The 20,000-strong force would be led by U.S. Troops committed remain far short of that goal. Last month, Trump announced a deal for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza.
According to the deal, the International Stabilization Force would be deployed to areas of the Palestinian territory administered by an incoming technocratic committee, and Israeli forces would withdraw. The force would help monitor the ceasefire, train Palestinian police and secure the delivery of aid, among other tasks. The ceasefire that took effect in Gaza last October has stalled due to disagreements regarding Israel’s withdrawal from the strip and Hamas’ disarmament.
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