As US President Donald Trump prepares to unveil details about the United Nations-approved stabilisation force for Gaza, Pakistan has not disclosed whether it will contribute troops to the International Stabilised Force (ISF). Trump announced that members of the Board of Peace have pledged to send thousands of personnel for the ISF before the initial meeting on February 19 in Washington. Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied its potential involvement in the ISF.
Trump is set to introduce a reconstruction plan for Gaza and outline the structure and responsibilities of the ISF. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will participate in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, as reported by ‘The Express Tribune.’ Security and Foreign Office sources in Pakistan have not affirmed any commitment, mentioning ongoing discussions. An unnamed official stated, “No decision has been made public.”
During a meeting between Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Dialogue, the issue was discussed, but no details were shared. Diplomatic sources suggest that the mandate of the ISF is under review. Pakistan has endorsed Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace initiative and joined the Board of Peace following a United Nations Security Council resolution. However, Pakistan has emphasized that its participation in any force would depend on a clearly defined and limited mandate.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar previously mentioned that Pakistan would consider joining the Gaza force only if its role is confined to peacekeeping and humanitarian stabilisation, excluding actions against Hamas or other Palestinian groups. Trump’s proposal includes granting amnesty to Hamas fighters willing to renounce violence and promoting peaceful coexistence, while others may be allowed to leave Gaza. Pakistan’s decision on contributing troops to the ISF would have significant political and security implications, especially considering domestic concerns about involvement in the Hamas-Israel conflict.
