Ejup Maqedonci has announced that Kosovo will take part in an international stabilization mission in Gaza, marking what he describes as a shift from being a “consumer of security” to a contributor to global peace.
According to the plan, Kosovo will participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) following a request reportedly made by the United States in December 2025 to around 70 countries, including Kosovo, to contribute troops to support post-conflict stabilization efforts in Gaza.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti initially expressed readiness in principle, with the government unanimously approving the deployment on 30 March 2026. The decision was later unanimously confirmed by parliament on 17 April.
Kosovo’s initial contribution is expected to include a contingent of 22 soldiers, with expertise in areas such as demining and explosive ordnance disposal, special operations planning, and medical support teams.
Maqedonci said Kosovo’s participation reflects its long-standing alignment with Western security priorities and gratitude toward international partners, particularly the United States, for historical support and ongoing security cooperation.
He noted that Kosovo has previously participated in international missions, including operations alongside the Iowa National Guard under “Operation Inherent Resolve,” training missions for Ukrainian forces in the United Kingdom under “Operation Interflex,” and humanitarian deployments in Turkey and Albania.
Kosovo has also engaged in smaller international operations and training activities, reflecting its growing role within multinational security frameworks.
Maqedonci emphasized that the Gaza mission will carry risks, stating that no peacekeeping operation is without danger, including potential threats to personnel.
“However, this is the price of contributing to peace and security,” he said.
He added that Kosovo has already sent a preparatory team to coordinate logistics with international partners, including accommodation, deployment timelines, and operational structure.
The Defence Minister described the mission as primarily humanitarian, focusing on civilian support, demining, civil-military communication, and planning tasks within the stabilization force.
Kosovo’s participation, alongside Albania and other partners, is being coordinated with the United States, which is expected to lead the stabilization framework. The final list of contributing countries is still being finalized.
