Uganda, Burundi in Talks With Israel on Gaza Stabilization Force

Military delegations from Uganda and Burundi held talks in Israel last week regarding potential troop contributions to an international security force planned for Gaza. The force is part of a U.S.-brokered arrangement aimed at stabilizing the region after a ceasefire deal stalled.

A source connected to the U.S. Board of Peace said Ugandan officials were part of the discussions alongside the Burundian delegation. Uganda's parliament has already approved a troop contribution, and the country is now finalizing the details of its participation. Burundi's involvement has not been confirmed, but officials indicated the delegation expressed interest in the mission.

A Burundian military source said the delegation was led by three senior officers and that the country appeared serious about joining. The source added that the talks involved a significant exchange of information.

If confirmed, Uganda and Burundi would join Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania in committing personnel to the force. Uganda has pledged around 1,200 troops, while Morocco has committed up to 500. The combined commitment from Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania is roughly 80 personnel. Indonesia had earlier indicated a much larger contribution of 8,000 troops but has put those plans on hold.

The envisioned force, which would be led by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, is expected to number around 20,000 troops. Its duties would include monitoring the ceasefire, training Palestinian police, and securing aid deliveries. The force would be deployed to areas administered by a proposed technocratic committee following an agreement for Hamas to disarm and Israeli forces to withdraw.

The ceasefire in Gaza has stalled over disagreements on the Israeli withdrawal and the disarmament of Hamas. A U.S. delegation recently met with both Hamas and Israeli leaders to push for progress. While Hamas has agreed to the new U.S. proposal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected it, insisting that Israel will not withdraw from the territory it controls until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Analysts note that Uganda and Burundi have significant peacekeeping experience from their long deployments in Somalia. Both countries have demonstrated a willingness to sustain casualties without pulling out. With that mission winding down, they are likely seeking new opportunities for military support, and a U.S.-backed deployment to Gaza could serve that purpose. A Ugandan military officer confirmed that troops are currently being selected for a possible deployment.