**Kosovo Joins US-Led International Stabilization Force for Gaza**
*Pristina, Kosovo – September 7, 2026* – Kosovo has officially committed to joining the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, marking a significant step in its international military cooperation. The agreement was formalized on Monday, September 7, 2026, during a signing ceremony in Pristina, attended by key military leaders from Kosovo and the United States.
The Participating Country Agreement was signed by Lieutenant-General Bashkim Jashari, the Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, and Major-General Jasper Jeffers, the Commander of the US-led ISF. This agreement solidifies Kosovo's participation in a multinational effort aimed at stabilizing the region, which has been embroiled in conflict.
The announcement was made via a social media post by the Board of Peace, an organization backed by the United States, which emphasized Kosovo's commitment to the ISF mission and its support for former President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza. This plan, introduced a year ago, seeks to establish a framework for peace in the region, including the creation of a multinational security mission to oversee stability and demilitarization efforts, as well as training for a Palestinian police force.
Kosovo joins a select group of countries contributing to the ISF, which already includes Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Albania, and Uganda. Notably, Türkiye's involvement has been blocked due to a veto from Israel, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
The ISF's deployment has faced challenges, particularly regarding the timing of Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. In July, Israel's government approved legal measures to facilitate the ISF's entry into Gaza, with assurances that the force would operate in coordination with the Israeli military. However, ongoing disagreements have stalled progress.
Nikolay Mladenov, the high representative for the Board of Peace, emphasized the need for Israel to fulfill its commitments under the Gaza peace roadmap for the ISF's deployment to proceed. He stated, "We are still at the point at which we need to make sure that what has been agreed is going to be implemented and is going to change significantly the lives of the people in Gaza. Unfortunately, we’re not there yet." Discussions with Israeli officials continue as the Board of Peace seeks to ensure compliance with the agreed-upon terms.
Mladenov previously indicated that the mechanism for deploying the ISF and its operational locations within the Gaza Strip had been established, with advance elements of the force expected to arrive soon.
The Trump administration has committed over $206 million to support the ISF, which will be allocated for equipment, infrastructure, vehicles, and operational costs. An additional $6 million is designated for repurposing US armored vehicles to assist the force.
Kosovo's decision to join the ISF underscores its evolving role in international peacekeeping efforts and reflects a broader commitment to regional stability amid ongoing tensions in Gaza. As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the implementation of the peace plan and the effectiveness of the ISF in achieving its objectives.