In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan has formally offered to send troops to participate in a potential international stabilisation force for Gaza once the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas concludes. This revelation was made by senior US Senator Marco Rubio, highlighting a proactive step from Islamabad in addressing the volatile post-war security landscape.
Senator Rubio's Confirmation and Context
Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, publicly confirmed the Pakistani offer during a recent interview. He stated that the proposal was presented during a meeting between a senior Pakistani diplomat and US officials. The discussion reportedly took place in Washington, D.C., involving the Pakistani ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, and officials from the US State Department and the National Security Council.
Rubio framed the offer within the broader, complex discussions about 'the day after' the Gaza war. He noted that while many nations are reluctant to commit forces for post-conflict security in Gaza, Pakistan has stepped forward. "They have actually volunteered to be part of it," Rubio stated, adding that the proposal is being considered as part of future planning for the region's stability.
Pakistan's Diplomatic Position and Regional Calculus
This move by Pakistan presents a nuanced shift in its diplomatic posture regarding the Israel-Palestine issue. Historically, Pakistan has not recognised the state of Israel and has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights. The offer to contribute to a stabilisation force, which would likely operate under a multinational or United Nations mandate, indicates a willingness to engage in practical, on-ground measures for peace and security, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties with Israel.
Analysts suggest Pakistan's offer is driven by several strategic considerations:
- Elevating Global Diplomatic Profile: Positioning itself as a responsible stakeholder capable of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts.
- Balancing Regional Influence: Engaging in a key Middle Eastern issue alongside other major powers.
- US-Pakistan Relations: Demonstrating cooperation with the United States on a matter of high global priority.
However, the proposal is also fraught with domestic political sensitivity. Any direct involvement with security in Gaza, which could imply coordination with Israel, would need to be carefully managed to address public sentiment at home.
Implications for Gaza's Future and International Response
The concept of a post-war stabilisation or peacekeeping force for Gaza has been a topic of intense debate among world powers, including the United States, Arab nations, and European countries. The primary challenges involve the force's mandate, composition, and the political authority it would support in Gaza. Pakistan's offer provides a concrete option for troop contributions, potentially encouraging other Muslim-majority nations to consider similar roles.
Senator Rubio's confirmation brings the idea from theoretical discussion into a more tangible planning phase. The US administration, while acknowledging the offer, has maintained that any such force would require a clear political horizon and a credible Palestinian governance structure to succeed. The involvement of a country like Pakistan, with its substantial military experience in UN peacekeeping operations, could add a crucial layer of legitimacy and capability to such a mission.
Nevertheless, significant hurdles remain. The ongoing war shows no immediate signs of a permanent ceasefire, and the question of who will govern Gaza after the conflict is unresolved. Israel's stance on an international force on its border is also a critical factor. The proposal, while significant, is one piece of a vastly complex geopolitical puzzle that must be solved to achieve lasting peace and reconstruction in the devastated enclave.
