Consultations between the government and military institutions have entered the ‘final stages’. The tone of internal consultations shows that Islamabad is in favor of participating in the mission, Daily Dawn/Dawn TV sources
Israel’s open opposition to Turkey’s participation in the ISF, justifying Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ‘anti-Israeli behavior’
Investigation Cell: Dr. Akhtar Gulfam, Editor-in-Chief, Daily Dawn, Director News, Dawn TV
Islamabad: Pakistan is soon going to announce whether it will send troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) being formed for Gaza or not.
According to information received from official sources, the government seems inclined to join this force.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said that consultations between the government and the military have entered the “final stages,” and that the tone of the internal consultations shows that Islamabad is in favor of participating in the mission.
A key pillar of the US-brokered “Gaza peace deal” is the establishment of the ISF, which will consist of military personnel from mostly Muslim-majority countries.
The force’s mandate will include maintaining internal security, disarming Hamas, securing border crossings, and providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance under the supervision of the interim Palestinian Authority.
Although the Trump administration has refused to send US military personnel to Gaza, it is in talks with Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and Azerbaijan to participate in the multinational force.
However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has openly opposed Turkey’s participation in the ISF, justifying Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “anti-Israeli attitude.”
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel itself would decide which foreign forces would be allowed into Gaza and signaled that it would strongly oppose any role for Turkish forces.
According to an Israeli press report, members of the Israeli parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee were told in a closed-door briefing last week that the ISF would consist of soldiers from Indonesia, Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
“The force will help maintain internal security and law and order in Gaza, as well as protect Israel’s borders and prevent weapons smuggling.”
The reports come as Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is on a visit to Egypt and Jordan, which are playing a deeper role in post-ceasefire matters in Gaza.
Although the military has described his visits as promoting defense ties, sources said he also discussed the delicate implementation of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan with regional leaders.
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