Kosovo and Bosnia Join International 'Stabilization Force' in Gaza Strip

The authorities of Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina have officially announced their intention to send military and security units to the Gaza Strip, to join an international force aimed at establishing stability in the region. This step comes under the umbrella of the 'Peace Council' established by the US administration led by Donald Trump, as part of Washington's efforts to arrange security conditions in the Palestinian Strip after the war.

In the capital Pristina, the Kosovo parliament unanimously approved a legal act that gives the green light for security personnel to participate in this international mission, which will be led by the United States. Although the law did not specify a numerical ceiling for the forces, media sources confirmed that the government plans to send about 22 personnel in the first phase of the anticipated deployment.

For his part, the Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, revealed details of the discussions he held in Washington with officials from the US State Department regarding the nature of his country's military participation. Helez affirmed that technical and logistical preparations have reached advanced stages, noting that the Bosnian contribution will exceed 60 soldiers from the national armed forces.

The authorities in Bosnia had approved the principle of participating in this international force since the beginning of this year, considering that this step enhances the country's role in maintaining international peace and security. This move comes concurrently with intensive meetings held by the 'Peace Council' to coordinate international efforts aimed at rebuilding Gaza and providing the necessary security cover for humanitarian operations.

Reports indicate that the proposed international force may include about 20,000 soldiers of different nationalities, with countries such as Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, and Albania expressing their readiness to participate. Indonesia tops the list of contributing countries with its pledge to send about 8,000 soldiers, making it the backbone of this ambitious international mission.

Despite these diplomatic and military moves, the implementation of the American peace plan still faces severe field challenges amid continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. The agreement came into effect in October last year, but the reality on the ground indicates the fragility of adherence to its terms by the Israeli side.

These developments come after a devastating war launched by Israel on the Gaza Strip since October 2023, which resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and the fall of tens of thousands of martyrs and wounded. The military operations left massive destruction affecting about 90% of the infrastructure and vital facilities in the Strip, making the need for a stabilization and reconstruction force urgent.

In a related context, official sources in Gaza reported that the Israeli occupation committed thousands of violations since the signing of the ceasefire agreement, including direct killings, arrests, and a continuous blockade. Reports indicated that these violations resulted in the death of hundreds of new martyrs, which weakens the chances of success of any international initiative that does not guarantee a comprehensive and final cessation of hostilities.

The 'stabilization force' file remains subject to major political agreements and the ability of the international community to compel parties to signed agreements, at a time when Palestinian circles are awaiting the effectiveness of these forces. Questions are increasing about the nature of the tasks that will be assigned to these foreign units, and whether they will succeed in providing actual protection for civilians amid the existing tensions.

Preparations for this mission have reached an advanced stage, and we expect more than 60 members of the armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate, which is a significant contribution to international peace and security.