USA Reiterates They Will Not Have Troops in Gaza

The spokesperson for the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated, ‘Reports about the establishment of an American military base near Gaza are inaccurate,’ in response to information suggesting plans to build a base for 10,000 soldiers. He further explained, ‘As part of organizational plans, the US Armed Forces are working with international military partners to develop potential options for the deployment of international troops’ that will be part of the future Stabilization Force. ‘Formation of this force will support President (Donald) Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. To be clear, there will be no American troops stationed inside Gaza. Any news suggesting otherwise is false,’ emphasized the CENTCOM official. On Wednesday, the White House rejected the notion of Washington funding or directly participating in establishing a temporary military base near the Palestinian enclave. ‘It is not something the United States is particularly interested in. It is not something we are currently involved in, nor something we will finance,’ said press secretary Karoline Leavitt, adding that the President has been ‘very clear’ in stating he ‘does not want troops on the ground in the Middle East.’ The creation of the International Stabilization Force is one of the points in Trump’s plan for Gaza’s future, with the first phase—including a ceasefire—taking effect on October 10, after an agreement between Israel and Hamas. Several countries have shown interest in joining the multinational force, including Indonesia. The Indonesian Defense Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, revealed that Jakarta is considering sending around 20,000 soldiers, ‘primarily for health services and reconstruction work.’ Sjamsoeddin emphasized that the decision will depend on obtaining a United Nations mandate or an international agreement ‘at the request of the President of the United States,’ stressing that ‘discussions are still ongoing and will take time.’