Pakistan's Prime Minister Seeks Clarification on Role of Gaza Stability Force

SadaNews - Three sources told Reuters that Pakistan wants guarantees from the United States that its forces, which it may send to Gaza as part of an international stabilization force, will be part of a peacekeeping mission and not engage in a role to disarm Hamas.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is set to attend the first official meeting of the "Peace Council" launched by U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington tomorrow, Thursday, along with delegations from at least 20 countries.

Trump, who will preside over the meeting, is expected to announce a multi-billion dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza and provide details about the establishment of a United Nations-mandated stabilization force for the Palestinian sector.

Three government sources said that Sharif wants to clarify the goal of the international stabilization force, the authority under which it will operate, and the chain of command before making a decision on deploying troops.

One source close to Sharif stated: "We are prepared to send troops. Let me clarify that our forces can only be part of a peace mission in Gaza."

He added: "We will not participate in any other role, such as disarming Hamas. That is out of the question."

Oversight of Reconstruction

Trump's 20-point plan regarding Gaza calls for the formation of a force from Islamic countries to oversee the transitional period of reconstruction and economic recovery in the devastated Palestinian sector, and Washington is pressuring Islamabad to join this force.

Analysts say that Pakistan's participation would strengthen the multinational force due to its seasoned army that has fought a war with India and dealt with insurgencies.

The source mentioned: "We can send a few thousand troops at any time, but we need to know the role they will take on."

Two sources indicated that Sharif is likely to meet with Trump, having met earlier this year in Davos and late last year at the White House, during the "Peace Council" meeting or the following day at the White House.