US welcomes Indonesian offer to send peacekeeping forces to Gaza
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed gratitude to Indonesia’s incoming president, Prabowo Subianto, for his commitment to aiding Gaza during their meeting on Tuesday at an aid conference in Jordan.
### Prabowo’s Pledge
Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s president-elect and current defense minister, has pledged to send peacekeeping forces if a UN-backed ceasefire is established, and to immediately increase medical aid to Gaza. He announced Indonesia's readiness to dispatch medical teams, a field hospital, and a hospital ship to the war-torn region. Additionally, Indonesia plans to evacuate 1,000 people needing medical treatment, including children who have lost their parents or suffer from trauma, and to assist in their return to Gaza post-conflict.
### Blinken’s Response
During the meeting, Blinken congratulated Prabowo on his election and discussed the potential benefits of the US-led ceasefire initiative for both Israelis and Palestinians. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller noted that Blinken appreciated Indonesia’s support for achieving an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for securing the release of all hostages.
### Indonesia’s Stance
At the Dead Sea conference, Prabowo emphasized Indonesia's willingness to support peace efforts, stressing that a two-state solution is essential for resolving the conflict. “Only with a two-state solution with Palestine and Israel living side by side in security and safety can we resolve this problem,” he stated.
### US-Indonesian Relations
The United States, a longtime ally of Indonesia, has supported a greater global role for the nation, which is historically known for religious moderation. Despite Indonesia having no official relations with Israel, limited contacts such as trade have occurred, and Israeli officials have cautiously hoped for future normalization.
### Shift in US Policy
Previously, Prabowo was denied a US visa due to alleged involvement in the abduction of democracy activists during the final days of Suharto’s dictatorship. However, US President Joe Biden has signaled a change in approach by personally congratulating Prabowo on his election .
