Uganda, Burundi Discuss Gaza Troop Deployment as 20,000-Strong Force Falls Well Short
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 24
Uganda, Burundi Discuss Gaza Troop Deployment as 20,000-Strong Force Falls Well Short
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 24
Summary
Ugandan and Burundian military officials visited Israel last week to discuss joining the proposed Gaza stabilization force, with Uganda finalizing participation after parliament approved a troop contribution this month.
Uganda has committed about 1,200 personnel, while Burundi has not finalized terms but appears intent on joining, according to officials involved in the talks.
The U.S.-backed force is meant to monitor Gaza’s ceasefire, train Palestinian police and secure aid delivery, but current pledges remain far below the 20,000 troops planned under U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers.
That shortfall comes as the ceasefire remains stalled: Hamas accepted a new U.S. deal, but Benjamin Netanyahu still refuses to withdraw Israeli forces from roughly 60% of Gaza before Hamas is fully disarmed.
Uganda and Burundi bring long peacekeeping experience from Somalia, and analysts say a Gaza mission could also help both militaries secure fresh U.S. financial and material support.