The Indonesian government has expressed its readiness to deploy peacekeeping forces to Gaza if the United Nations decides to establish a peacekeeping mission in the region. President Joko Widodo made the offer during a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
"We reaffirm Indonesia's commitment to supporting all UN efforts in Gaza. We officially declare our willingness to contribute peacekeeping forces if a ceasefire is achieved and peacekeepers are mandated by the international community. We are ready to provide forces," President Widodo stated, as reported by the Jakarta Globe.
Indonesia is among the most active contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. According to UN data, over 2,700 Indonesian troops are currently participating in various missions worldwide.
The situation in the Middle East has significantly deteriorated since October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters infiltrated Israeli territory from Gaza. In response, Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza, launching airstrikes on the enclave as well as on parts of Lebanon and Syria. A ground operation in Gaza followed shortly thereafter.
Separately, on September 23, 2023, Israel initiated Operation Northern Arrows against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, targeting their military facilities with heavy strikes. On October 1, the Israeli army announced a ground operation in southern Lebanon's border areas.
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Photo: Al Jazeera English/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS