Uganda and Burundi Consider Troop Deployment for US-Led Gaza Peacekeeping Force

Military officials from Uganda and Burundi visited Israel last week to discuss contributing troops to an international security force in the Gaza Strip, an initiative promoted by US President Donald Trump's "Peace Council," according to an AP report on Monday. Uganda has committed to providing approximately 1,200 soldiers after its parliament approved the deployment earlier this month, and the selection process for troops has already begun. Burundi has not made a final decision yet but appears determined to join, with military representatives expressing interest during the visit.

If Burundi joins, Uganda and Burundi would be the latest countries to commit troops, following Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania. Morocco pledged up to 500 troops, while the other three countries combined committed around 80. Indonesia had previously promised 8,000 soldiers but froze its plans due to US and Israeli strikes in Iran. The planned international force aims to number 20,000 troops under the command of US Major General Jasper Jeffers.

The force is intended to oversee a ceasefire, assist in training Palestinian police, secure aid deliveries, and operate in areas of Gaza that Israel would withdraw from under a new agreement. However, implementation has stalled due to disagreements over Israel's withdrawal and Hamas's disarmament. Hamas has accepted the US proposal, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected it, insisting Israel will not retreat from about 60% of Gaza territory it controls until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Security policy expert Paul D. Williams noted that Uganda and Burundi have extensive peacekeeping experience from operations against al-Shabab in Somalia and are seeking new sources of financial and military support. Deploying troops to Gaza with US backing is seen as a way to achieve this. Details about what Uganda and Burundi expect in return for their participation remain unclear.