USA Thanks Pakistan for Considering Role in Gaza Peace Force

Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its openness to considering a role in the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza, despite Islamabad not yet confirming any commitment.Speaking at a press conference in Washington on Friday, Rubio said, “We are very grateful to Pakistan for their offer to be a part of [the peacekeeping force] or at least their offer to consider being a part of it.” He added that more clarity is needed before any firm commitment, but expressed confidence that multiple nations are willing to join the stabilisation force, with Pakistan being a key participant if it agrees.Rubio outlined that the next step involves announcing “the border of peace…the Palestinian technocratic group,” which will allow stakeholders to finalise the ISF’s rules of engagement, role in demilitarisation, and funding.However, Pakistan’s Foreign Office clarified on Thursday that no decision has been taken regarding participation. FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said discussions were ongoing in “certain capitals,” but Pakistan has not committed nor received any formal request.The clarification comes amid media reports suggesting growing international pressure on Pakistan to join the ISF. Last month, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated Pakistan was ready to commit troops to a Gaza peace force but would not participate in disarming Hamas.The proposed ISF follows former President Trump’s Gaza plan revealed in September, envisioning the deployment of troops from Muslim-majority countries during a transitional stabilisation phase. The UN Security Council endorsed the plan in November through a US-drafted resolution, including the ISF deployment.This development highlights Pakistan’s cautious approach in international peace efforts while maintaining its diplomatic stance in the region.