In the aftermath of the 7 October 2023 attack launched by Hamas on Israeli soil, a protracted conflict erupted and triggered a massive military response by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 78,000 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed and 170,000 were injured. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 1,983 Israelis were killed and 217 were injured. The conflict was halted after a fragile Gaza peace agreement was signed on 13 October 2025 through the efforts of multiple world leaders led by the US President. This peace deal has provided temporary relief to the Palestinian people, who have been suffering from one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has witnessed since the Second World War. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan and the UAE played key roles in concluding the Gaza Peace Plan.
In a nutshell, the Gaza Peace Plan has two main phases. Phase one concerns the ceasefire and return of hostages, while phase two focuses on maintaining peace and rebuilding Gaza. The plan’s main points include an immediate ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed lines, return of Israeli hostages by Hamas and the release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel within seventy-two hours of the agreement. It also calls for free flow of humanitarian aid and restoration of hospitals, bakeries and critical infrastructure such as water, electricity and sewerage systems. Hamas will disarm, and Gaza will be governed by a transitional, technocratic and apolitical Palestinian committee responsible for day-to-day administrative matters. The US and its international partners, including Arab states, will establish an International Stabilising Force (ISF) to train and support the Palestinian police. The ISF will also secure Gaza’s borders alongside the newly raised Palestinian police force.
Pakistan was part of the original eight-nation peace initiative that laid the groundwork for the current US-brokered agreement. According to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan has not yet decided whether it will send troops to join the ISF.
Phase one has largely been completed in the sense that active fighting has stopped. However, two ceasefire violations occurred on 19 and 28 October, resulting in the killing of around 236 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers. Hamas has returned the hostages, Israel has released the prisoners, and forces have pulled back to the yellow line. It is now time to implement phase two, which is more complex and whose success depends on all stakeholders honouring their commitments. The US has sent senior officials to the Middle East to monitor the ceasefire and work out plans for the next phase. This signals that the US administration is determined to move forward with the peace plan and pursue stability in the region.
According to The New York Times, the US has drafted a resolution seeking a two-year mandate from the UN Security Council to deploy an international stabilising force in Gaza. This will provide legitimacy to the ISF, which is expected to operate under the UN framework. The ISF will work closely with Egypt to demilitarise Gaza, train and support Palestinian police and secure humanitarian corridors and border areas. Malaysia and Türkiye have already offered to contribute forces. Malaysia’s armed forces have publicly stated they are ready to participate in a Gaza deployment if requested. Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have expressed concern over a possible Turkish troop presence, saying Israel will not accept such a deployment in Gaza.
Pakistan was part of the original eight-nation peace initiative that laid the groundwork for the current US-brokered agreement. According to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan has not yet decided whether it will send troops to join the ISF. The Pakistan Army has a long history of serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. Participation could be beneficial for both Pakistanis and Palestinians if the government chooses to contribute. During the UN mission in Bosnia, Pakistani troops not only maintained peace but also provided humanitarian assistance, including free medical camps, distribution of food, clothing and sports equipment for children. Pakistan has never been a direct player in Middle Eastern geopolitics, and sending troops strictly for humanitarian purposes would reinforce Pakistan’s reputation as a neutral and principled actor.
As the ISF stabilises Gaza, Israeli forces will withdraw and hand over security responsibilities to the ISF. If Hamas delays disarmament, the ISF will deploy in cleared areas and ensure secure aid operations. Despite domestic pressures, Pakistan’s participation would be a noble act that reflects its longstanding commitment to the Palestinian cause. Many Palestinians have openly expressed hope that Pakistani troops will help safeguard them. Based on shared faith, brotherhood and a consistent stance on Palestine, the Pakistan Army would be fully committed to their protection. Pakistan’s extensive experience in counterterrorism and internal security makes it well-equipped for managing volatile environments such as Gaza. Participation would advance the collective interests of the Muslim world while showcasing Pakistan’s leadership and solidarity for justice and regional stability. Praying for Gaza while rejecting those willing to protect it is hypocrisy. If Pakistan and the wider Muslim world remain silent or inactive today, history will question not only their choices but also their moral clarity.
The writer is a researcher.