WASHINGTON: A New round of talks on a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza is expected in a Middle Eastern capital in the coming days, as Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries seek clarity on the force’s mandate, diplomatic sources told Dawn.

The ISF, a central element of a US-brokered Gaza peace plan, is envisioned to stabilise the territory following months of intense conflict, protect civilians and humanitarian corridors, and assist in establishing transitional governance through a proposed “Board of Peace”.

However, several core issues remain unresolved, including the force’s legal authority, chain of command, funding, duration, and whether it would play a role in disarming Hamas or other Palestinian groups.

Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, and other interested states have expressed willingness to participate in a stabilisation effort that genuinely restores order and facilitates humanitarian access. “They are prepared to join any credible international force that brings stability to Gaza,” a diplomatic source said. “But they will not be part of a mission whose primary focus is disarming Palestinian resistance groups.”

Pakistan says ISF must be humanitarian and neutral, not aimed at disarming Hamas

Hamas has rejected the idea of an international force tasked with disarmament, warning that such a deployment would be considered a party to the conflict rather than a neutral stabilising presence. This stance complicates efforts to secure broad regional participation and raises concerns about the safety and legitimacy of any deployed troops.

Pakistan remains cautious

Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Pakistan’s willingness to consider participation as “key” to the initiative and expressed gratitude for Islamabad’s engagement. Pakistani officials, however, emphasise that no final decision has been taken yet, and that Islamabad has neither committed troops nor received a formal request.

Pakistan recently attended a US Central Command-hosted conference in Qatar with representatives from nearly 45 countries, where the operational framework of the ISF was discussed.

Reports suggesting Pakistan might deploy up to 3,500 troops remain speculative. Diplomatic sources stressed that any troop commitment would depend on a mandate that is fully transparent, politically neutral, and focused on humanitarian stabilisation rather than disarmament or law enforcement inside Gaza.

The ISF discussions, combined with Pakistan’s broader engagement with Washington, reflect the delicate balancing act Islamabad faces: supporting humanitarian stabilisation in Gaza while safeguarding Pakistan’s principles on Palestinian sovereignty. Analysts say that unless a mandate acceptable to all stakeholders is clearly defined, the force may struggle to attract broad participation and could encounter operational and political obstacles on the ground.

Experts also note that the involvement of countries like Pakistan is politically significant.

Islamabad has traditionally played a mediating role in Middle Eastern conflicts, balancing ties with Arab states, the United States, and the broader Muslim world. Any misstep in defining the ISF’s role could complicate Pakistan’s regional diplomacy, affect its credibility with partners in the Gulf, and influence its perception among Palestinians.

The coming meetings will be closely watched by both regional actors and Washington, as they may determine the pace at which the ISF is deployed. While humanitarian objectives remain central, the debates over mandate, command, and responsibilities illustrate the inherent complexity of deploying a multinational stabilisation force in a highly contested environment.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2026