Speaking on the matter, Rubio said the United States is grateful for Pakistan’s willingness to be part of the force or at least to consider participation. He added that further clarity is required before seeking any formal commitment from participating countries.
According to him, several nations acceptable to all stakeholders are ready to contribute to the stabilization force, and Pakistan could play a key role in this regard.
Last Tuesday, Pakistan participated in an international conference held in Qatar and hosted by the US Central Command. The conference focused on the command structure and other operational aspects of the ISF, with representatives from around 45 countries in attendance.
The US secretary of state further stated that consultations are ongoing regarding the force’s mandate, command, funding and rules of engagement.
He said the next phase would involve the announcement of a Palestinian technocratic group and the establishment of a Board of Peace, after which the role of the stabilization force, payment mechanisms and rules of combat would be finalized.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that no final decision has been taken to send Pakistani troops to the ISF and that the matter remains at an initial consultation stage.
Sources say Pakistan is considering the deployment of around 3,500 troops for the ISF. The US State Department has approached more than 70 countries for troop contributions or financial support, out of which 19 have so far expressed willingness to cooperate.
It is worth noting that Gaza has suffered extensive destruction due to Israeli attacks over the past two years. In September, US President Donald Trump presented a 20-point peace plan, based on which a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas was reached in October. The establishment of the ISF, with a proposed majority of troops from Muslim countries, was a key component of the plan.
In November, the United Nations Security Council passed a US-sponsored resolution approving the Gaza peace plan and the deployment of the ISF.
Pakistan was among 13 countries that voted in favour of the resolution, while Russia and China abstained. However, Hamas rejected the resolution and the proposed international force, calling it an attempt to disarm resistance groups.
According to US officials, the deployment of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza could begin as early as next month, though questions remain over the mechanism for disarming Hamas fighters.
