Bosnia Deploys Troops to Gaza in Ongoing Conflict Zone Operations

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tripartite Presidency Approves Participation in UN Mission in Gaza

The tripartite presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina has approved the participation of Bosnian troops in the international stabilisation mission in Gaza. The decision was made on November 17, following a United Nations Security Council resolution that authorises the deployment of international forces to oversee demilitarisation and destruction of military infrastructure in the enclave.

The UN resolution is based on a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to end the conflict in Gaza. The plan aims to establish a transitional governance arrangement for the enclave, which is seen as favouring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.

A recent survey conducted in December 2023 found that 61% of respondents in Bosnia and Herzegovina support Palestine. Among Bosniaks, the percentage of those who felt solidarity with the Palestinian cause was even higher. The survey also showed that Croats and Serbs were split between backing Israel, Palestine, or neutrality.

Protests in Sarajevo have been ongoing for two years, condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. Thousands have gathered in the capital to read aloud the names of Palestinian children killed in Gaza near the Eternal Flame memorial. In October, nearly 6,000 people marched through Sarajevo under the banner “Bosnia and Herzegovina for a Free Palestine”.

The support for Gaza has come from civic-minded individuals, including intellectuals, artists, students, and grassroots activists. The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina has not organised mass marches or nationwide mobilisations. Instead, ordinary citizens have driven the protests, often secular and young.

The tripartite presidency’s decision to participate in the UN mission has raised questions about the motivations behind it. The plan is seen as favouring Israel, which has led to speculation about why Bosnia and Herzegovina would support it despite its own experience of genocide and ongoing protests condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera