Tel Aviv: Uganda and Burundi are moving closer to taking part in an international stabilization force planned for the Gaza Strip, as efforts to turn a fragile ceasefire into a longer term security arrangement gather pace. Senior military officials from the two East African countries recently visited Israel for discussions about a possible deployment, marking a new stage in preparations for the proposed mission.
Uganda has already taken a major step toward participation. Its parliament approved the deployment of Ugandan troops to Gaza earlier this month, with the country expected to contribute about 1,200 personnel. Officials are now working on the practical details of the deployment, including how the Ugandan contingent would operate as part of the wider international force.
Burundi has not yet reached a final agreement, but its interest in joining the mission has become increasingly clear. A Burundian military delegation travelled to Israel and held discussions with officials involved in planning the force. The visit included senior military officers and was part of early preparations to understand the security situation and the possible responsibilities of Burundian troops.
The discussions also included a visit connected to the Gaza area, giving the African military officials an opportunity to examine conditions on the ground and understand the environment in which an international force could eventually operate.
The proposed International Stabilization Force is expected to become a major part of the wider plan for Gaza after the war. Its responsibilities would include helping maintain security, supporting the delivery of humanitarian assistance, monitoring the ceasefire and helping train Palestinian security personnel. The broader plan also envisages the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces as security responsibilities are transferred.
The planned force could eventually involve about 20,000 personnel, although the number of troops currently committed is far below that target. Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania have also agreed to contribute personnel. Morocco is expected to provide one of the larger contingents, while the other countries have offered smaller numbers.
The participation of Uganda and potentially Burundi would give the mission a stronger African presence. Both countries have significant experience in international peacekeeping and security operations, particularly through their involvement in missions in Somalia. That experience is one reason their armed forces could be considered useful for a difficult mission such as Gaza.
For Uganda, the decision to participate also carries diplomatic significance. The country is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the proposed deployment has already raised questions among some Ugandan lawmakers about the country's role in the conflict. Supporters of the deployment argue that Uganda can contribute to international efforts to improve security and protect civilians, while critics have questioned how Ugandan troops would operate in a highly sensitive political and military environment.
The international force is being developed as part of a wider United States backed plan for Gaza. Washington has already committed significant financial support for the proposed mission. More than 206 million dollars has been allocated for equipment, infrastructure, vehicles and operating costs, showing that the United States is trying to move the plan from diplomacy toward practical implementation.
However, major obstacles remain before the force can fully deploy.
The most difficult issue is the disagreement between Israel and Hamas over disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Israel has maintained that Hamas must be fully disarmed before a complete withdrawal can take place. Hamas has resisted the demand and has continued to link its position to the wider question of Israeli withdrawal and Palestinian political arrangements.
This disagreement has slowed the next stage of the Gaza peace plan. Although preparations for the international force are continuing, the exact timing of a large scale deployment remains uncertain.
The continuing violence in Gaza is another major concern. The ceasefire has reduced the intensity of the conflict, but attacks and casualties have continued. The situation means that any international force entering Gaza could face serious security risks from the beginning.
For Uganda and Burundi, the coming weeks could therefore be important. Uganda is moving toward finalising its participation, while Burundi appears increasingly interested in joining. If both countries proceed, they would become important African contributors to an international operation intended to provide security during one of the most difficult transitions in Gaza.
The proposed mission remains far from fully operational, but the visits by Ugandan and Burundian military officials show that preparations are becoming more concrete. The next major test will be whether the United States, Israel and Hamas can resolve their differences over disarmament, Israeli withdrawal and the future security structure of Gaza.
Until that happens, the international force can continue preparing, but its full deployment will remain dependent on a political agreement that has yet to be secured.