Albania will take part in an International Stabilization Force in Gaza under the leadership of an allied country, Defence Minister Pirro Vengu said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference, Vengu said Albania’s participation would follow an “umbrella” formula, meaning it would operate under the command framework of a designated allied nation.
“We are currently awaiting the designation of the allied countries that will have the umbrella role, as it is referred to in technical terms, under which we will be included in this operation,” Vengu said, adding that discussions at the military staff level were ongoing.
He said maps circulating in media reports about the mission were not official documents and did not reflect formal decision-making.
Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, said Albania had given its approval in principle to participate in a stabilization force for the Gaza Strip.
In the initial phase, Albania is expected to contribute officers to a headquarters structure that will be established for the mission, Kingji said, adding that no final decision had been made on troop numbers.
The stabilization force will operate under the mandate of the Peace Board, an international organization with legal personality established on Feb. 19 with a mission to promote stability, restore lawful governance, and ensure sustainable peace in conflict-affected areas, according to Albanian officials.
Member states include the United States, Albania, Kosovo, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Paraguay, and Morocco, among others. Albania holds founding member status, officials said.
Further operational details are expected to be clarified as coordination with allies continues.