Washington (TDI): The United States has expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s willingness to consider joining a proposed international stabilization force for Gaza, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing that discussions are still ongoing and no final troop deployment has been agreed.
Speaking on Friday, Rubio said Washington was “very grateful” for Pakistan’s readiness to explore participation in the force, formally known as the International Stabilization Force (ISF). However, he noted that several key issues still need to be resolved before any country can be asked to deploy troops.
Earlier this week, Pakistan took part in a high-level conference in Qatar hosted by the US Central Command, where representatives from nearly 45 countries discussed the ISF’s potential command structure, mandate, and other operational matters.
When asked whether Pakistan had formally agreed to send troops to Gaza, Rubio said discussions were still ongoing. “We’re confident that a number of countries acceptable to all sides are prepared to step forward,” he said, adding that Pakistan would play an important role should it decide to join.
According to Rubio, questions surrounding funding, rules of engagement, and the force’s role in demilitarization remain under consideration. He added that the next major step would be the announcement of a governing board and a Palestinian technocratic body to oversee day-to-day administration in Gaza, which would help clarify the stabilization force’s responsibilities.
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US officials say the State Department has reached out to more than 70 countries seeking support for the initiative, either through troops, equipment, or logistical assistance. So far, around 19 countries have reportedly shown willingness to contribute in some capacity. International deployment could begin as early as next month.
A day earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office reiterated that Islamabad has not yet committed to sending troops. Spokesman Tahir Andrabi said discussions remain at an exploratory stage and should not be interpreted as a firm decision.
Gaza has suffered extensive destruction following two years of intense Israeli military operations. In September, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace initiative, which later formed the basis of a Gaza peace agreement signed by Israel and Hamas in October. A central element of that agreement was the creation of the ISF, primarily composed of troops from Muslim-majority countries.
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In November, the UN Security Council adopted a US-drafted resolution endorsing Trump’s peace plan and authorising the deployment of the stabilization force. Thirteen members, including Pakistan, voted in favour, while Russia and China abstained. Hamas, however, rejected the resolution, objecting in particular to any international force tasked with disarming Palestinian resistance groups.
