Washington: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokaev announced that his country is prepared to support the International Stabilization Force in Gaza by deploying military units, including medical personnel, and sending observers to a civil-military coordination center. Tokaev made the statement at the first Board of Peace meeting in Washington, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s readiness to contribute a ‘significant amount of cash’ directly to the board ‘without any delay.’
According to Anadolu Agency, Tokaev highlighted his country’s plans to participate in restoration and reconstruction efforts in Gaza through international companies. The program, primarily funded by the Kazakh government, may involve constructing infrastructure, housing, schools, hospitals, and other essential civilian facilities, as well as clearing rubble. Additionally, Kazakhstan intends to offer 500 scholarships to Palestinian students over five years and share its expertise in e-government and digital development. Tokaev also noted Kazakhstan’s willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to enhance food security in Gaza, leveraging its status as a major wheat producer.
Tokaev stressed the importance of new approaches for sustainable development in the Middle East, promoting cooperation and trust. He mentioned Kazakhstan’s support for broader peace-building efforts by joining the Abraham Accords, agreements sponsored by the US to normalize relations between Israel and Muslim-majority countries. Kazakhstan is also open to hosting meetings at various levels to support the initiative.
In a gesture of recognition, Tokaev proposed establishing a special President Trump’s award of the Board of Peace to honor Trump’s peace-building efforts. The Board of Peace, initiated by Trump, aims for a peaceful settlement in the Gaza Strip and seeks to promote peacemaking globally. Trump mentioned that Kazakhstan, along with other countries, collectively pledged more than $7 billion to the new body, with the US contributing $10 billion.
The backdrop to these developments is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began on October 8, 2023. The war has resulted in over 72,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 171,000 injuries, mostly affecting women and children, with 90% of civilian infrastructure damaged. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli military actions have continued, causing additional casualties and injuries, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.