Greece plans to contribute a special battalion of 100–150 personnel to the International Stabilisation Force in Gaza, taking on a security patrol role alongside medics and engineers, marking a more active involvement than its previous mission in Afghanistan.
The deployment, which will include armoured vehicles, most likely M1117s, adds a security component not initially envisaged, reflecting Athens’ aim to play a greater role in crisis management in its region.
Two Greek officers have already been seconded to US-led civil-military coordination in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel.
The force is part of a Gaza peace plan agreed by Hamas and Israel last October and mandated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 on November 17.
Greece was among the first countries to back the US proposal, earning Washington’s thanks after consultations with the US and Israel.
The Greek unit will operate within the security perimeter established by the Israel Defence Forces as part of an initial 8,000-strong contingent led by United States Central Command, with Egypt and Israel also playing key roles.
The force is expected to expand to about 20,000, following an ISAF-style model.
Source: Ekathimerini.
