KOSOVO – Kosovo will deploy soldiers to the Gaza Strip in the coming months as part of the International Stabilization Force, according to the Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci.

Maqedonci told the Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) that he recently advised the government to make a political decision approving the deployment.

He added that the process is in the final stages, with discussions on the roles and capacities Kosovo troops will take in Gaza.

He explained that following a political decision, the Kosovo Security Force (FSK) must be authorized by the Kosovo Assembly, and deployment abroad must then be approved by the president of Kosovo.

Maqedonci said that although Kosovo is not a member of the UN, its participation in a UN-authorized mission would mark the first such deployment for the country and a major national achievement.

He described the involvement as strategically important.

“Contributing to peace, supporting security, and helping the humanitarian dimension have always been among our priorities,” he said.

The FSK confirmed that Commander Bashkim Jashari held a video conference with Jasper Jeffers, commander of the International Stabilization Force.

Jashari told Jeffers that Kosovo troops are ready to participate in the operation, noting that the FSK is a professional force trained to NATO standards and prepared to provide security support if requested by partner countries.

Jeffers described Kosovo as an important partner in promoting global peace and stability.