Greece will join the new International Gaza Stabilisation Force with a specialised battalion equipped with armoured vehicles, medical teams, and engineering units. The move marks a major expansion of Greece’s operational role compared with its previous deployment in Afghanistan.
The decision reflects a broader government strategy to take a more active role in crisis management missions, particularly in regions within Greece’s wider strategic neighbourhood.
From Afghanistan to Gaza: An expanded role
Greece’s participation in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, from January 2002 to July 2021, focused primarily on humanitarian and reconstruction work. Greek personnel were responsible for distributing medical aid, rebuilding schools and government buildings, maintaining infrastructure, and clearing minefields.
In contrast, the upcoming Gaza Stabilisation Force mission will see Greek troops take on a defined security role alongside medical and engineering duties. The expanded mandate includes force protection and area security in addition to technical and humanitarian support.
Composition of the Greek battalion
The planned Greek contingent will consist of 100 to 150 personnel, deploying below full-battalion strength. Military planners have designed the unit as a mixed-capability formation, incorporating armoured security elements, combat engineers, and medical teams.
The security component will most likely deploy M1117 armoured security vehicles, a platform widely used by US military police for patrol and escort operations. These vehicles will support protected movement and perimeter security in unstable areas.
Due to its size, the Greek battalion will operate as part of a larger multinational force rather than independently.
Gaza Stabilisation force framework
The mission follows the Gaza peace framework agreed by Hamas and Israel last October and was mandated by the UN Security Council through Resolution 2803 on 17 November. The US Central Command is coordinating the force and leading operational oversight.
Greece backed the US proposal at an early stage and received formal thanks from Washington. This support allowed the government to address domestic concerns over operational risk, with the final battalion composition and mission scope confirmed after consultations with US and Israeli officials.
Deployment and command
While a deployment date has not been announced, preparations are underway. Two Greek officers have already been assigned to the US-led Civil Military Coordination structure in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel. The Greek battalion will operate inside the security perimeter maintained by Israeli forces. The initial multinational force is expected to include around 8,000 personnel, with Egypt and Israel taking key regional roles alongside US command. Plans call for potential expansion to roughly 20,000 troops, still far smaller than the Afghanistan operation, which reached around 180,000 personnel at its peak.