Kosovo will engage with troops in the International Gaza Force, the US contributes $10 billion

At the first meeting of the Peace Board, on Thursday in Washington, United States President Donald Trump announced that five countries, including Kosovo and Albania, have pledged to send troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza.

Trump also announced that the United States will contribute $10 billion to support reconstruction and security in the region.

The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, also participated in this meeting, as Kosovo is among the founding members of the Peace Board, which has 27 members and was founded on January 22 in Davos, Switzerland.

The United Nations Security Council has authorized this body to supervise the ceasefire and engage in governance and reconstruction.

Trump also praised Kosovo's contribution and said that countries should contact the US in case of tensions with Serbia. Osmani responded by saying: "We will call you." In a Facebook post, the Kosovo president emphasized: "Kosovo today felt the weight of the American guarantee."

Kosovo's contribution and participation in the ISF

Kosovo does not need to pay $1 billion to be a permanent member, but is considering the form and capacity of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF)'s participation in the ISF.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that this commitment comes after Kosovo's participation in a conference in Doha, Qatar, in December last year, organized by the US Central Command. Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, confirmed that Kosovo has been invited by the US military to participate.

The ISF commander, American Major General Jasper Jeffers, announced that the first five countries to have committed troops are Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania, while Egypt and Jordan will train local police.

The implementation will begin in Rafah, south of Gaza, and is planned to involve approximately 20.000 troops and 12.000 police.

The context of the conflict

The war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, following Hamas attacks that left over 1.200 Israelis dead and hundreds of hostages. Israeli retaliations resulted in over 60.000 deaths in Gaza, a famine, and extensive damage to infrastructure.

Trump's 20-point plan for peace in Gaza, accepted by Israel and Hamas, envisaged the establishment of the Board and international participation for the stabilization and reconstruction of the region.

The Geopost