Albania is officially preparing to deploy military personnel to the Gaza Strip as part of a new International Stabilization Force. The announcement was made by Defense Minister Ermal Nufi during a press conference in Tirana on May 15, 2026.
This mission stems from a 20-point peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Field Assessment and Mission Phases
Defense Minister Nufi confirmed that an Albanian reconnaissance team has already conducted an on-site assessment in Gaza to coordinate with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the International Stabilization Force.
- Phase 1: Staff Officers. The first Albanian contingent will be integrated into the headquarters of the International Stabilization Force.
- Phase 2: Expanded Presence. Following the initial deployment, the General Staff will evaluate a broader contribution of ground troops.
- Logistics and Safety: Major General Arben Kingji, Chief of General Staff, stated that they are currently drafting legal documents and defining the “Rules of Engagement” (ROE) to ensure personnel safety and logistical support.
Regional Cooperation: Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia
The deployment follows a similar move by Kosovo, which sent an assessment team to Gaza earlier this month. Albania is coordinating closely with its regional partners:
- Joint Exercises: Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia will hold three joint military exercises this year (two in Croatia, one in Albania) to increase interoperability.
- Strategic Alliance: Despite criticisms from Serbia, which views this cooperation as a “hostile alliance,” Tirana and its partners maintain that the cooperation is strictly for regional and international security.
Tirana to Host 2027 NATO Summit
In addition to the Gaza mission, Minister Nufi announced that Albania has officially begun preparations to host the 2027 NATO Summit.
- Task Force Established: A dedicated task force has been formed to manage the immense security and logistical requirements of the event.
- Venue Pending: While the specific venue in Tirana has not yet been finalized, the summit is expected to be the largest diplomatic and security event in Albania’s history.
Summary of Strategic Moves
The transition toward active participation in Middle Eastern peacekeeping and hosting a NATO summit underscores Albania’s ambition to be a primary security hub on NATO’s eastern flank.
“Albania remains an unwavering ally of NATO and an active partner in regional and international security,” Minister Nufi concluded.
