ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announcedon Saturday that Pakistan is prepared to deploy troops to the InternationalStabilization Force in Gaza, but only under a mandate strictly limited topeacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. He firmly distanced Islamabad fromany involvement in disarming Hamas, emphasizing that such responsibilitieslie with Palestinian authorities. This stance underscores Pakistan’scommitment to Palestinian self-determination while navigating complexinternational dynamics.
The declaration came during a press briefing at the Ministry of ForeignAffairs, where Dar referenced ongoing consultations following the UNSecurity Council’s recent approval of Resolution 2803. The resolutionendorses US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which includesestablishing the ISF composed of Muslim-majority nations’ troops to secureceasefires and aid corridors. Pakistan, among 13 members voting in favor,seeks clarity on terms of reference to ensure neutrality.
Dar highlighted reservations shared by allies like Indonesia, noting thatdisarmament could compromise the force’s impartiality and fuel regionaltensions. “Our role is peacekeeping, not enforcement,” he stated, aligningwith Pakistan’s long history of UN missions. This position reflects broaderMuslim world concerns, as voiced in joint statements calling for Israeliwithdrawal and a two-state solution without undermining Palestinianresistance.
Hamas has rejected aspects of the plan, decrying potential disarmament asfavoring occupation. Pakistani officials, including Defense MinisterKhawaja Asif, have echoed this, insisting contributions must prioritizereconstruction and security voids left by the ceasefire. With Gaza’shumanitarian crisis persisting after two years of conflict, Islamabad’sconditional support aims to bolster global efforts while safeguardingPalestinian rights.
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Analysts view this as a delicate balancing act for Pakistan, fostering tieswith the US while upholding solidarity with Palestine. Furtherdeliberations on the ISF’s mandate are expected soon, potentially involvingtroop pledges from nations like Pakistan to stabilize the enclave.
Source:www.dawn.com/news/1958159/fm-dar-says-pakistan-ready-to-join-gaza-peace-force-not-ready-to-disarm-palestinian-resistance-group-hamas”>https://www.dawn.com/news/1958159/fm-dar-says-pakistan-ready-to-join-gaza-peace-force-not-ready-to-disarm-palestinian-resistance-group-hamas
