Uganda, Burundi Military Officials Visit Israel to Discuss Gaza Troop Deployment

Military officials from Uganda and Burundi recently visited Israel to explore the deployment of their troops to Gaza. This potential deployment is part of an international security force conceptualized by U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, intended to stabilize the region and maintain a fragile ceasefire.

According to a Board of Peace official, Ugandan officials joined a Burundian military delegation. Uganda is reportedly finalizing details for its participation after its parliament approved troop contributions this month. While no final agreement has been reached with Burundi, the official expressed optimism about initiating the process. The official, speaking anonymously, noted the exchange of significant knowledge and Burundi's expressed interest in the mission.

If Burundi proceeds, these African nations would join Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania in contributing to the international force. Uganda has pledged approximately 1,200 personnel, and Morocco has committed up to 500. The combined commitment from Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania is around 80 troops. Notably, Indonesia had previously prepared to send 8,000 troops, the largest commitment, but paused its plans after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. The envisioned force is slated to be led by U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, but the current troop commitments fall significantly short of the 20,000-strong goal.

The international force is intended to monitor the ceasefire, train Palestinian police, and secure aid delivery. However, the ceasefire, which took effect last October, has faltered due to ongoing disagreements regarding Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas' disarmament. A recent U.S. delegation engaged in extensive discussions with Hamas leadership and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the peace process. Hamas has agreed to the new U.S. proposal, but Netanyahu has rejected it, stating Israel will not withdraw from the approximately 60% of Gaza it controls until Hamas is fully disarmed.

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We shared significant knowledge with one another, and the Burundi representatives expressed interest in our mission