Mission in Gaza, Nufi: Albania to send staff officers

Albania will initially take part in the international stabilizing mission in Gaza with staff officers. This was confirmed by Defense Minister Ermal Nufi during an interview with Euronews Albania.

According to Nufi, after the reconnaissance mission was completed and the report prepared by Albanian officers was analyzed, the General Staff determined the initial level of engagement of the Albanian Armed Forces in this operation.

He explained that in the first phase, staff officers will be sent and will be integrated into the command structure of the international force in Gaza. Later, depending on developments on the ground and operational assessments, a decision will also be made on sending other troops.

“We will send staff officers to become part of the international stabilizing force in Gaza. After assessing the situation and the needs on the ground, we will continue with the second phase to determine specifically which troops may be engaged in the mission,” Nufi said.

The minister also said that this decision will be submitted for approval to the Council of Ministers through the relevant by-laws.

He underlined that Albania’s involvement is in line with the position previously announced by the prime minister on participation in international peace and stability initiatives.

Nufi stressed that the number of officers to be sent and the next steps of the mission will be made public only after the decision receives the approval of the Council of Ministers.

“Everything will be coordinated with the command structures of the international force. After the approval of the Council of Ministers’ decision, we will also make public the number of staff officers who will be sent initially, as well as the other phases of the engagement,” the defense minister said.