Kosovo has approved the deployment of troops to Gaza as part of a United States-backed initiative, marking the small Balkan nation's involvement in Middle Eastern peacekeeping efforts.

The decision comes as tensions continue in the Gaza Strip, though specific details about the mission's scope, timeline, and objectives were not immediately available. Kosovo's participation reflects its alignment with Western partners and NATO allies in international security operations.

Meanwhile, neighboring Serbia announced it has secured a gas import deal with Russia, according to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. The agreement represents Serbia's continued energy cooperation with Moscow despite broader European efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies.

The contrasting foreign policy positions of the two Balkan neighbors highlight the region's divided alignments. Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 with Western support, maintains strong ties with the United States and European Union. Serbia, while officially pursuing EU membership, has maintained closer relationships with Russia and China.

Both developments underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Balkans, where countries navigate between competing international partnerships while addressing domestic energy and security needs.