Members of the Kosovo Security Force are preparing for deployment to the Gaza Strip and are now awaiting the green light from state institutions.
Kosovo has pledged to send troops to this war-devastated area as part of the International Stabilization Force, a mechanism expected to be formed under the Peace Board—an initiative of Donald Trump aimed at achieving global peace.
Alongside the decision to send troops to Gaza, the Assembly of Kosovo must also approve the agreement for Kosovo’s membership in this mechanism.
The commander of the International Stabilization Force, Jasper Jeffers, has stated that Kosovo is among the first five countries—along with Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, and Albania—that have pledged to contribute troops to help provide security in Gaza.
However, little is publicly known about when FSK troops will be deployed or how many will be sent.
The Peace Board and the International Stabilization Force
The Peace Board was established on January 22 in Davos.
The creation of the International Stabilization Force for Gaza is part of Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at achieving peace in Gaza.
The plan was accepted in October last year by Israel and Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
The war in Gaza began in October 2023, after Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages.
Israeli retaliatory strikes in Gaza caused thousands of deaths, widespread hunger, and massive infrastructure destruction.
The International Stabilization Force is expected to be tasked with providing security and overseeing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In addition to Kosovo and Albania, members of the Peace Board include: Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Egypt, El Salvador, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Steps Toward Finalizing the Process
The functioning of the Assembly of Kosovo, following a decision by the Constitutional Court of Kosovo on March 25, has opened part of the path toward deploying troops.
Under the law on sending FSK abroad, the decision must first be taken by the Government of Kosovo.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the proposal for deployment to Gaza was submitted to the government on March 3. After government approval, the decision moves to lawmakers and ultimately requires approval from the president.
President Vjosa Osmani has been among the founders of the Peace Board and has fully supported Trump’s initiative. Her presidential mandate expires on April 4.
Possible Deployment Starting in May?
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported on March 14 that the International Stabilization Force could begin operations in Gaza in May, including the deployment of dozens of Kosovo troops.
Despite inquiries by Radio Free Europe, the government has not confirmed this information nor indicated when it will submit the decision to parliament.
The Presidency of Kosovo has also not responded regarding potential timelines for ratifying the agreement.
Maqedonci: Initially More Than 20 Soldiers Planned
Officials from the Ministry of Defense stated they are in continuous communication with stabilization force officials and have appointed a liaison officer to assist in preparations for deployment.
“Both the International Stabilization Force and the Peace Board serve the same purpose—ensuring security and peace in Gaza—therefore coordination has taken place among government institutions,” the ministry said, noting that the mission also has a mandate from the United Nations Security Council.
Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci said in an interview that “initially more than 20 soldiers” are expected to be deployed.
“The focus will be on EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and demining, which is a specialty of the Kosovo Security Force. We will also have officers and non-commissioned officers from special operations, planning officers attached to the command of the stabilization force, and medical teams as part of the contingent,” Maqedonci said.
No timeline for deployment has been provided by the Peace Board either, citing “operational security.”
“The main objective of the International Stabilization Force is to stabilize the security environment in Gaza,” the board said.
“A Return of the Favor for the Help Received in 1999”
On March 24, Kosovo marked 27 years since the start of the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, which targeted Serbian military and police forces to stop violence against Albanians in Kosovo.
The 78-day campaign ended after the Kumanovo Agreement, leading to the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces and the establishment of the NATO-led KFOR mission.
Kosovo has openly expressed its aspiration to join NATO, while KFOR continues to operate in Kosovo with a reduced presence—from about 50,000 troops initially to around 4,700 today from 33 countries.
Retired colonel Afrim Veseli said the number of troops sent to Gaza is less important than the mission itself.
According to him, FSK personnel are trained to NATO standards, and participation in such operations will further strengthen Kosovo’s international standing and advance its path toward NATO.
“From a country that was itself a victim in 1999, Kosovo and its military are now taking part in such an operation,” he said, describing it as a return of the support received during the war.
Researcher Melos Kolshi from the Kosovo Law Institute said participation in such structures strengthens Kosovo’s international subjectivity and deepens cooperation with key allies, especially the United States.
“In a broader geopolitical context, such developments contribute to consolidating the strategic partnership with the United States and maintaining its continued support, which has historically been crucial for Kosovo’s state-building and security,” he said.
FSK Engagement Abroad
This would not be the first time FSK members are deployed abroad.
In 2021, the force was deployed to Kuwait in cooperation with U.S. forces, and in 2022 to the Falkland Islands in cooperation with the United Kingdom.
FSK members also participate in international training programs with partner countries, including close cooperation with the Iowa National Guard in the United States.
The Kosovo Security Force is currently undergoing a transformation into a full military force, with plans to complete this process by 2028.
