International Peacekeeping Force Set to Enter Gaza in May Under Trump Plan
According to reports from the Israeli public broadcaster KAN and other international sources on Monday, March 16, 2026, the mission is scheduled to officially commence on May 1. This International Stabilization Force (ISF) will consist of approximately 5,000 troops from Indonesia, alongside smaller contingents from Kazakhstan, Morocco, Albania, and Kosovo.
The initial phase of the deployment will focus on the southern Gaza region, specifically around a new Palestinian city being constructed with financial support from the United Arab Emirates near Rafah. The force will eventually expand its presence to other parts of the enclave as part of the "Yellow Line" agreement—a provisional boundary established during the October 2025 ceasefire that marks the areas from which Israeli forces have temporarily withdrawn. The ISF's mandate includes overseeing security operations, supervising the disarmament of armed groups, and ensuring the secure delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials.
Despite the momentum, diplomatic challenges remain. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto recently stated that Indonesia's continued participation is contingent upon the process supporting eventual Palestinian independence. However, military preparations are proceeding, with hundreds of foreign troops expected to arrive in Jordan next month for specialized training before entering Gaza. Major General Jasper Jeffers of the U.S. Armed Forces has been appointed as the commander of this multinational mission, which is backed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
