Albania Joins International Stabilization Force to Boost Security Operations in Gaza

On Friday the Board of Peace confirmed that Albania will provide troops for the International Stabilization Force deployed in the Gaza Strip, marking the third nation to join after Morocco and Kosovo. The agreement was praised by High Representative Nickolay Mladenov, who highlighted its importance for advancing security, humanitarian aid, rule of law and rebuilding efforts under U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803. The resolution, adopted in November 2025, endorses former U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan and authorizes the Board of Peace as a transitional authority.

Since then, a Palestinian-led administration has been formed and talks with Hamas on disarmament have continued, though Hamas remains resistant. U.S. Special Envoy Jared Kushner recently urged Israel to take steps that would facilitate the Board's roadmap ahead of the Israeli election. Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strook have called for a halt to the force's entry until its mandate is clarified, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted reconstruction will not proceed until militant groups are disarmed.