WASHINGTON: Fresh diplomatic talks on forming a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza are expected in a Middle Eastern capital in the coming days, as Pakistan and other Muslim countries continue to seek clarity on the force’s mandate and objectives, diplomatic sources said.
The ISF is a key element of a US-brokered plan aimed at stabilising Gaza after more than two years of Israeli military operations. The proposed force would focus on protecting civilians, securing humanitarian corridors and supporting transitional governance through a proposed “Board of Peace.”
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However, major questions remain unresolved, including the legal authority of the force, its command structure, funding, duration and whether it would be tasked with disarming Hamas or other Palestinian groups. These uncertainties have prompted caution among potential contributors.
Pakistan, along with countries such as Indonesia and Egypt, has indicated openness to participating in a stabilisation mission that is politically neutral and humanitarian in nature. Diplomatic sources said Islamabad would not support any deployment primarily aimed at disarming Palestinian resistance groups.
Hamas has already rejected the idea of an international force with a disarmament role, warning that such a mission would be treated as a party to the conflict. This position has complicated efforts to secure broad regional participation and raised concerns over troop safety.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently described Pakistan’s willingness to consider participation as “key,” expressing appreciation for Islamabad’s engagement. Pakistani officials, however, stress that no final decision has been made and no formal request for troops has been received.
In December 2025, Pakistan attended a US Central Command–hosted conference in Qatar, where representatives from around 45 countries discussed the operational framework of the ISF. Reports suggesting Pakistan could deploy thousands of troops were described by officials as speculative.
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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, said 2025 marked positive momentum in bilateral ties, with 2026 expected to focus on delivering concrete outcomes. He highlighted growth in trade, remittances and cooperation across multiple sectors.
Analysts say Pakistan faces a delicate balancing act: supporting humanitarian stabilisation in Gaza while safeguarding its longstanding position on Palestinian sovereignty. They warn that without a clearly defined and widely accepted mandate, the proposed force may struggle to gain legitimacy and effectiveness on the ground.