• International troops could be deployed in Gaza under a UN-authorized stabilization force.
• Indonesia has indicated readiness to send up to 20,000 troops to assist in health and construction roles.
• The deployment is part of a broader US-led peace plan aimed at stabilizing the region.
• Key issues include how Hamas will be disarmed and the force’s rules of engagement.
• The U.S. is hosting a conference in Qatar to finalize plans involving more than 25 participating countries.

International troops could be deployed in the Gaza Strip as early as next month to form a United Nations-authorized stabilization force, according to two U.S. officials. However, questions remain about how the Palestinian militant group Hamas will be disarmed. The proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) is intended to support stabilization without engaging in direct combat with Hamas, as confirmed by multiple sources, including Reuters, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, "There is a lot of quiet planning that's going on behind the scenes right now for phase two of the peace deal," which follows a fragile ceasefire initiated on October 10. The planning for the ISF includes determining the size, structure, and training protocols, with discussions ongoing about rules of engagement, said the officials Reuters, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.

Indonesia has indicated they are ready to contribute up to 20,000 troops for health and construction duties within Gaza, as stated by Brig. Gen. Rico Sirait of the Indonesian Defense Ministry. The deployment relies on a clear framework being established for the ISF, which is expected to work in areas controlled by Israel. This framework is still under development, mirroring the sentiments expressed by multiple sources Reuters, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.

The U.N. Security Council has authorized the ISF to work alongside newly trained Palestinian police to stabilize security through demilitarizing Gaza, which includes dismantling military infrastructure and weapons held by non-state groups. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz noted that the ISF would have the authority to use force if necessary to achieve these objectives. This perspective has sparked dialogue among countries regarding how engagement rules will be structured Reuters, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.

Despite the strategic planning, Hamas has not engaged in formal discussions regarding disarmament with mediators, which include the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. Hamas has maintained that they will not disarm before a Palestinian state is established. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the potential multinational task force, suggesting, "Are volunteers here? Be my guest," while also indicating that some tasks may be beyond the force's abilities Reuters, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.