Pakistan was publicly thanked by the United States for its reported offer to contribute to an international stabilisation force for Gaza, signaling Islamabad’s willingness to assist post-conflict security and humanitarian efforts in this war-ravaged enclave. This recognition represents growing diplomatic activity surrounding plans for Gaza’s future once active hostilities subside, although major questions still remain unresolved.
Washington welcomed discussions with partners who are prepared to provide stability, reconstruction and civilian protection in Gaza. Though not providing details on any formal framework or timelines for implementation of such assistance in Pakistan’s case, officials of the Department of State noted it as providing “constructive contributions” towards international conversations about stabilizing Gaza.
Pakistan, which has long participated in UN peacekeeping missions, has not released specific details of its proposal publicly; however, diplomatic sources indicate that Islamabad may participate in a multinational force focused on maintaining security, supporting humanitarian access and helping restore basic governance structures following conflict in Gaza.
Regional and global powers have engaged in an intense discussion over Gaza, sparking heated discussions on what comes next. Infrastructure damage and civilian needs are high; as a result, many policymakers believe a stabilisation mechanism may be required in order to avert security vacuum, minimize further violence, and allow large-scale aid operations to continue safely.
U.S. officials have stressed the necessity of any stabilisation force having international support, a clear mandate, and acceptance by regional stakeholders. Washington also emphasizes that any stabilisation force should not replace a political process aimed at addressing root causes of conflict – as stated by one senior official:’security arrangements must go hand in hand with credible political goals’.
Pakistan has attracted much interest due to its experience and perceived neutrality in Middle Eastern conflicts, having contributed thousands of troops to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide and championing humanitarian principles and international law. Analysts contend this background makes Pakistan an acceptable partner in complex environments such as those found within Syria or Iraq.