East African troops prepare for Gaza peacekeeping role in US-backed plan

Military officials from Uganda and Burundi recently travelled to Israel to discuss joining an international peacekeeping force in Gaza, as part of a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace." Uganda has committed approximately 1,200 troops, while Morocco has pledged up to 500. Burundi is reportedly interested in contributing, with three senior military officers leading its delegation.

The proposed force, which would be led by US Major General Jasper Jeffers, would consist of around 20,000 troops and would be tasked with monitoring the ceasefire, training Palestinian police, and securing the delivery of aid. The ceasefire in Gaza, which has been in effect since October 2022, has stalled due to disagreements over Israel's withdrawal and Hamas' disarmament.

The US has recently met with both Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push for a new deal. Uganda and Burundi have gained experience in peacekeeping through their deployments in Somalia, and their leaders are willing to tolerate high casualties without withdrawing. Their participation in the Gaza force could provide financial and material support for their militaries, which are winding down their Somalia missions.