Greece is preparing to join the new International Gaza Stabilization Force with a specialized battalion that will include armored vehicles, medical teams, and engineering units. The move significantly expands the country’s operational profile compared with its previous deployment in Afghanistan.
The planned contribution reflects a broader government strategy to take a more active role in crisis management missions, especially in regions within Greece’s wider strategic neighborhood.
Expanded role compared with Afghanistan
Greece participated in the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan from January 2002 through July 2021, where its contingent focused mainly on humanitarian and reconstruction work. Greek personnel distributed medical supplies and aid, rebuilt government buildings and schools, maintained public infrastructure, and cleared minefields.
The upcoming Gaza Stabilization Force mission adds a defined security role alongside medical and engineering support. This shift gives Greek Forces a broader operational mandate that includes force protection and area security duties in addition to technical and humanitarian tasks.
Greece’s contribution to Gaza stabilization force structure
The planned Greek battalion will include between 100 to 150 personnel and will deploy below full-battalion strength. Military planners designed the unit as a mixed capability formation with armored security elements, combat engineers, and medical teams.
The security element will most likely use M1117 armored security vehicles, a platform widely used by US military police for patrol and escort missions. These vehicles support protected movement and perimeter security operations in unstable environments.
Because of its limited size, the Greek contingent will integrate into a larger multinational formation rather than operating independently.
Gaza stabilization force framework and mandate
Hamas and Israel agreed on the Gaza peace framework last October, and the United Nations Security Council mandated the mission through Resolution 2803 on November 17. US Central Command is organizing the force and leading operational coordination.
Greece supported the US proposal at an early stage and received formal thanks from Washington. That early backing also helped the government address domestic concerns about operational risk. Greek officials finalized the contingent’s composition and mission scope after extended consultations with US and Israeli counterparts.
Deployment timeline and command structure
Officials have not announced a deployment date yet, but preparations are already underway. Greece has assigned two officers to the US-led Civil Military Coordination structure in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat.
The Greek battalion will operate inside the security perimeter that Israeli forces maintain in Gaza. The initial multinational force will include about 8,000 personnel, with Egypt and Israel holding key regional roles alongside US command. Current planning calls for a later expansion to roughly 20,000 troops. Even at that level, the mission will remain far smaller than the Afghanistan operation, which was composed of about 180,000 personnel at its peak.