Albania, Kosovo Troops Await Gaza Deployment Amid Israeli Delays

Albanian and Kosovar military units are prepared to deploy to the Gaza Strip as part of an international stabilization mission, but their arrival is currently stalled pending further approvals. Albania has finalized its participation agreement, with up to 40 soldiers set to assist with security, guard facilities, aid in operational planning, and provide humanitarian assistance. The agreement was signed on October 23rd by Albanian Army Chief of Staff Arben Kingji and U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, who leads the international forces in Gaza. While initial liaison officers from Albania may arrive in November, the deployment of the main contingent remains unscheduled.

Kosovo has also confirmed its readiness to send an explosive ordnance disposal unit, stating they will deploy once the international forces can accommodate them. Kosovo officially joined the international forces on September 7th, having previously inspected potential deployment sites in Gaza and undergone training with international partners. The country plans to send a contingent commander, a liaison officer, and staff personnel, with the exact size undisclosed.

Albania and Kosovo are among several nations, including Morocco and Kazakhstan, that have agreed to participate in a U.S.-led plan for Gaza. Morocco is reportedly preparing the largest contingent, with up to 500 soldiers undergoing U.S. instruction. A significant obstacle to the mission's commencement is the lack of necessary permissions from Israel, including the construction of a base near the "yellow line" separating Israeli-controlled and Hamas-controlled areas of Gaza.

Sources suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a delay in several post-war Gaza initiatives, including the deployment of international forces, until after the October 27th Israeli elections. While Netanyahu's office denied any connection to the elections, the Prime Minister insists that Gaza's reconstruction and the establishment of a new Palestinian police force cannot begin until Hamas is fully disarmed and Gaza is demilitarized. This stance contrasts with the U.S. plan, which envisions a gradual Israeli withdrawal contingent on confirmed disarmament.

The issue of Hamas disarmament remains a point of contention, with reports of threats from the group to repeat the October 7th attack unconfirmed, as Hamas has denied them and affirmed its commitment to a ceasefire. Despite ongoing preparations by the participating countries, the full deployment of international forces into Gaza has not yet begun.