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Kosovo, part of the peacekeeping mission in Gaza/ Macedonia: We repay our debt to our partners

2026-05-11 08:48:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Kosovo, part of the peacekeeping mission in Gaza/ Macedonia: We repay our debt

In December 2025, the US reportedly officially asked 70 countries, including Kosovo, to contribute to the International Stabilization Force (ISSF), which aims to militarily support the peace process in Gaza.

On December 11, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti expressed his willingness in principle to approve the deployment of troops. On March 30, 2026, his government unanimously approved this decision, while on April 17, the decision was also unanimously voted in parliament.

Parliament initially approved a contingent of 22 soldiers. According to Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci, these are personnel from various military fields, including demining and disposal of unexploded ordnance, special operations planning, and medical teams.

Kosovo's participation in international operations

Kosovo has shown great willingness to serve American foreign policy interests in the past, as a sign of historical gratitude for Washington's support, due to its strategic dependence on the West, but also for pragmatic reasons, as the youngest and one of the smallest states in the Balkans.

Minister Makedonci recalls that in 2021 the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) participated in an operation in the Middle East, together with the Iowa National Guard, as part of the "Inherent Resolve" operation, led by the United States.

Also, a team of KSF instructors is currently operating in the United Kingdom, as part of Operation "Interflex", for the tactical training of Ukrainian recruits. Ukrainian officers, military personnel and professionals are also being trained in the field of demining in Kosovo.

Kosovo has also participated in other operations, such as in the Falkland Islands and Belize, in cooperation with the United Kingdom. In addition, the KSF has previously conducted humanitarian operations in Turkey and Albania.

Hope for strengthening international position

Kosovo hopes that participation in the mission in Gaza will strengthen its international position and bring it prestige and support from international partners.

"For the first time, Kosovo is participating in a mission authorized by the UN Security Council, even though we are not yet a member of the United Nations ," says the Macedonian.

"It is a risky operation, but what is important for Kosovo is that this participation is transforming our country into a contributor to global security. So, from a country that for years has been a consumer of security through support from KFOR troops, we are transforming into a country that contributes to global security."

Macedonian: There is no peacekeeping mission without risks

According to Minister Makedonci, there is no peacekeeping mission without risks and threats. "We are aware that our members who will operate there may face threats and dangers, including the risk to their lives. However, this is the price of contributing to peace and security," he says.

Regarding the role of the KSF in Gaza, Makedonci emphasizes that the mission will have a primarily humanitarian character. "This mission will be primarily humanitarian, it will contribute to the establishment of peace and will influence the recovery of the Middle East, namely Gaza."

He says that Kosovo has already sent a preparatory team to the region, which is coordinating logistical aspects with international partners. "Issues such as accommodation, landing time and the way our units will operate in the field are being coordinated," says Maqedonci.

Main tasks

According to him, the main tasks of the Kosovo contingent will be related to humanitarian support, demining, civil-military communication with the local population, and planning tasks within the framework of the FNS.

The Macedonian adds that Kosovo and Albania have already confirmed their participation and are making preparations in cooperation with the US military, which leads the International Stabilization Force. However, the full composition of the contributing countries has not yet been finalized. /DW