Pakistan has not joined five nations pledging troops for an International Stabilisation Force intended to secure reconstruction zones in post-conflict Gaza. Speaking in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad awaited clarity on the force’s mandate before deciding.
He stressed that Pakistan could support a peacekeeping role but would avoid any demilitarisation mission targeting Hamas. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump convened a “Board of Peace” meeting in Washington, bringing together allies to promote a ceasefire framework brokered with Qatar and Egypt.
At the gathering, Trump praised participating leaders and vowed to stabilise Gaza. He said Indonesia, Albania, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Morocco had committed personnel. Morocco offered police officers, while Indonesia reportedly signalled readiness to send thousands of troops. The American commander of the proposed force named an Indonesian officer as deputy.
Disarmament debate shapes next phase
The plan’s next stage calls for Hamas disarmament, though positions differ sharply. Israeli leaders insisted the group must disarm, warning force could follow if talks fail. However, Hamas indicated openness only to discussing ceasefire monitoring without committing to laying down arms.
Trump said he hoped coercion would not be necessary and claimed Hamas had suggested willingness to disarm. In parallel, Washington announced a post-Hamas policing initiative, with thousands already applying, according to US officials.
On reconstruction, Trump pledged $10 billion and said partners had raised billions more. Gulf states reportedly promised major contributions, while FIFA and the United Nations signalled smaller roles. Critics, however, questioned funding transparency and governance, noting the new body’s unclear coordination with existing international institutions and oversight mechanisms.
