Kosovo Joins Planned International Force for Gaza

Kosovo announced on Monday its participation in a planned "International Stability Force" intended for deployment in the Gaza Strip, as part of arrangements outlined in a plan by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The size of Kosovo's contingent and the timeline for the international force's deployment remain undisclosed.

The "Peace Council," led by Trump, confirmed that representatives from Kosovo, the council, and the "International Stability Force" signed an agreement in Pristina, Kosovo's capital, formalizing Kosovo's involvement. The council stated on the platform X that Kosovo "will provide crucial support for the mission to advance President Trump's 20-point peace plan in Gaza," without specifying the number of personnel or the nature of their duties.

The deployment date for the international force in Gaza is still unannounced, and the specifics of its ground operations and the total troop numbers from participating nations are not yet finalized. Previously, in May, Nikolay Mladenov, the "Peace Council's" representative for Gaza, indicated the force would be positioned "between Israeli-controlled and Palestinian-controlled areas" to protect humanitarian operations and support "the gradual disarmament" of factions. Mladenov emphasized at the time that the force was not intended to govern Gaza or manage its security, with a national committee remaining responsible for police and civil administration.

According to Mladenov, the force's mandate is to "reduce friction during the transitional phase and support stability" until responsibility is transferred to Palestinian institutions. These arrangements are part of Trump's 20-point plan, revealed on September 29, 2025, which includes a ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, aid delivery, and a phased Israeli withdrawal contingent on Palestinian factions disarming and an international force deploying. The plan also proposes temporary governance of Gaza by a technocratic Palestinian committee under the "Peace Council's" supervision, alongside reconstruction and the exclusion of Hamas from governance.

In related remarks at the "Heli Forum 2026" in Abu Dhabi, Mladenov discussed broader regional arrangements, noting the Gulf region's role in shaping the emerging international order. He observed a paradox of increased global interconnectedness alongside growing division and a diminished capacity for conflict resolution. Mladenov stressed the region's challenge to remain a "source of connection, continue building relationships and institutions, and foster trust across divides."

The announcement of Kosovo's participation comes amidst the ongoing repercussions of the war in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. The political and security arrangements for the post-conflict phase are still under negotiation and implementation.