Kosovo’s government has approved a proposal to deploy members of its security force to Gaza as part of a planned international stabilisation mission, with the final decision now pending parliamentary approval.
The defence minister said the procedures were initiated following an invitation from U.S. Central Command and in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, adding that lawmakers must endorse the deployment before it can proceed.
The prime minister said Kosovo was ready to contribute to international stabilisation efforts, recalling the country’s own experience of hosting foreign peacekeeping forces since 1999.
“We are ready to participate and help the people of Gaza,” he told a government meeting, referring to Kosovo’s post-war reliance on international security missions. He also noted that Pristina had provided 500,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza in January 2025.
The proposed deployment would see members of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) operate under a unified international command, supporting efforts to implement a broader plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.
Mission framework and international context
The mission is expected to take place within a proposed International Stabilisation Force, part of a wider peace initiative linked to a so-called “Peace Board” concept promoted by the U.S. administration.
Kosovo is among the first countries, alongside Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan and Albania, to signal readiness to contribute troops tasked with maintaining security and overseeing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The government approved the proposal unanimously, without votes against or abstentions, according to officials.
However, details including the exact timing of deployment and the size of the contingent remain unclear. The defence ministry has indicated that an initial group of more than 20 specialised personnel could be sent, including explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, special operations units, planners and medical staff.
A liaison officer has already been appointed and coordination with international structures is ongoing, ministry officials said.
Legal steps and political backing
Under Kosovo law, the deployment of troops abroad requires parliamentary approval and subsequent endorsement by the president.
The president, whose term is set to expire on April 4, has publicly supported the initiative and has been associated with the broader peace framework underpinning the mission.
The proposal follows the restoration of full parliamentary functionality after a Constitutional Court ruling on March 25, which cleared the way for key decisions requiring legislative approval.
In addition to authorising troop deployment, lawmakers are expected to vote on Kosovo’s participation in the International Stabilisation Force.
Security backdrop
The planned mission comes against the backdrop of the Gaza conflict, which escalated in October 2023 when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
Subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza have caused tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis, according to Palestinian officials and international organisations.
The stabilisation force is expected to focus on maintaining security conditions and supporting post-conflict arrangements.
Israeli public broadcaster KAN has reported that the mission could begin as early as May and include dozens of Kosovo personnel, though authorities in Pristina have not confirmed a timeline.
Kosovo’s growing security role
If approved, the deployment would mark another step in Kosovo’s efforts to expand its international security role and strengthen ties with Western allies.
The Kosovo Security Force previously participated in overseas missions, including deployments in Kuwait in 2021 alongside U.S. forces and in the Falkland Islands in 2022 in cooperation with the United Kingdom.
Kosovo is currently transforming its security force into a full-fledged army, a process expected to be completed by 2028.
Officials say participation in international missions is intended to demonstrate Kosovo’s reliability as a security partner and to raise its international profile.