BiH Presidency approves potential deployment of Armed Forces to Gaza mission

Bosnia's Defence Minister has been authorized to notify the United States of the country's readiness to dispatch members of the Armed Forces to this mission in Palestine. This deployment remains subject to the completion of legal procedures required for a final decision on sending a military contingent.

"The Minister of Defence is tasked with conducting the nomination process for a military representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the International Stabilization Force mission in Gaza and submitting a proposal for their appointment to the Presidency," the decision stated. Additionally, the Council of Ministers of BiH is required to provide the Presidency with a Justification Assessment regarding the participation of AFBiH personnel in the mission.

On November 17 of last year, the United Nations Security Council approved a US-drafted resolution supporting President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza. This resolution authorizes international stabilization forces in the Palestinian enclave to oversee demilitarization, including the destruction of weaponry and military infrastructure.

While Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have agreed to the first phase of President Trump's 20-point plan, consisting of a ceasefire in their two-year war and a hostage release agreement, the UN resolution is seen as vital for legitimizing an interim governing body. The resolution stipulates that member states may participate in a Peace Committee chaired by President Trump, envisioned as a transitional body to oversee the reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza.

The deployment of the International Security Force (ISF) is part of the second phase of the Trump administration’s peace plan. This phase envisions a transitional administration, the end of Hamas rule in Gaza, and total demilitarization, terms Hamas has not yet accepted. The ISF would be deployed in coordination with Israel and Egypt. While the U.S. is discussing participation with several nations, including Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, it is not planning to send American troops.

The resolution further provides for financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction via the World Bank and a dedicated fund. The Armed Forces of BiH have a history of participating in global peacekeeping missions and currently have three members deployed in the Central African Republic.