The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina has approved a request from the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding the possible participation of members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a peace mission in Gaza.
The initiative is being coordinated primarily by the United States, which launched a call for international participation. Although official details have not yet been disclosed, unofficial information suggests that around 50 members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina could take part in the mission.
It also remains unclear under which military contingent Bosnian and Herzegovinian soldiers would participate. In previous international missions, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s troops have often served as part of larger contingents led by partner countries.
Two months ago, U.S. officials proposed that members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina apply for the mission in Gaza. Participation would be voluntary, and nearly 50 soldiers have reportedly expressed interest. The plan foresees the establishment of a coordination body that would also include a brigadier from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the second phase, as envisaged by the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, soldiers could be deployed to Gaza.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aleksandar Goganović said that discussions with partners are ongoing, with the United States playing a key role.
“We are currently working out the details with our partners, with the United States playing a key role. At this stage, we cannot disclose all the details, as negotiations are still ongoing. From the very beginning of the talks, we agreed not to make all details public until we reach an agreement, after which we will inform the public of all relevant details,” Goganović said.
The final decision on participation will be made by the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence.
Defence Minister Zukan Helez said Bosnia and Herzegovina expects a lasting peace in Gaza and that the Armed Forces could participate in a mission under the auspices of the United Nations.
“We expect lasting peace in Gaza, and I believe that our Armed Forces, both in Indonesia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will have a mission there under the auspices of the United Nations. Together, we will help the people of Gaza, bring peace to the area, and enable the recovery of that region to begin,” Helez said.
Military analyst Hamza Višća noted that Bosnian and Herzegovinian soldiers usually assist in tasks such as demining operations and securing military camps in international missions. However, he stressed that several uncertainties remain regarding the Gaza mission, including its timing, command structure, and the specific units that would be involved.
“For us, an additional challenge is the need to hold talks with some of our strategic partners, as Bosnia and Herzegovina has so far rarely deployed an independent contingent. Instead, we have usually participated as part of Danish, American, German, or other contingents, with a significant portion of logistics handled by the partner country,” Višća said, adding that Bosnia and Herzegovina would still retain responsibility for logistics, training, and personnel.
According to interlocutors, the potential mission in Gaza would carry a strong humanitarian dimension. Planned tasks for international stabilization forces include securing border areas, protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian operations, assisting the Palestinian police, and coordinating humanitarian corridors.
