Pakistan is reportedly planning to deploy around 3,500 troops to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF), according to Pakistani diplomatic sources and military officials. Gaza has been severely affected by war and remains under blockade, and the proposed force is meant to help stabilise the region after months of intense conflict.

The development was first reported by the Pakistani newspaper Dawn. The report noted that Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, had stated just last week that no final decision had been taken by Islamabad on whether it would contribute troops to the ISF. Despite this, discussions appear to be underway at various levels regarding a possible Pakistani role in the mission.

The International Stabilisation Force is a key part of a proposed 20-point peace plan for Gaza backed by US President Donald Trump. Under this proposal, the ISF would be an internationally supported force tasked with overseeing reconstruction efforts, ensuring border security, and helping with the demilitarisation of armed groups in Gaza once active hostilities end.

The Gaza conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and allied militant groups carried out a sudden attack in southern Israel. The assault resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,200 people, and around 251 individuals were taken hostage. This attack marked a major escalation in long-standing tensions between Israel and Hamas.

Following the October 7 attack, the Israel Defence Forces launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza. According to multiple health authorities and conflict assessments, the offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 70,000 Palestinians. Large parts of the Gaza Strip have been destroyed, with homes, infrastructure, and essential services suffering widespread damage.

As part of his peace proposal, President Trump has called on Muslim-majority countries to support the ISF by providing troops, logistics, or equipment. The stated objectives of the force include securing Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt, protecting civilians, and ensuring the safety of humanitarian corridors to allow aid to reach those in need.

While Pakistan has not officially confirmed that it will send troops, its military leadership is understood to have held discussions with US officials about a possible deployment. These talks suggest that Pakistan is at least considering participation in the proposed force, even though no formal announcement has been made so far.

If Pakistan does decide to take part, it would mark a rare direct involvement by the country in an international peace or stabilisation mission in West Asia. Such a move could potentially help strengthen Pakistan’s ties with Washington, especially at a time when cooperation on security and diplomatic issues remains important for both countries.

However, the idea of deploying Pakistani troops to Gaza is likely to face opposition at home. Islamist parties and some political groups in Pakistan are expected to resist any move that could be seen as aligning the country with Israel or with Western-led security initiatives in the region. These groups may argue that participation in the ISF could go against Pakistan’s traditional positions on the Palestinian issue.

At the same time, supporters of the move may point to the humanitarian goals of the ISF, including civilian protection and reconstruction, as reasons to consider involvement. Still, without an official decision or confirmation from the Pakistani government, the plan remains under discussion.

For now, Pakistan’s position appears cautious. Officials have acknowledged talks and reports but have stopped short of confirming troop contributions. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve and international efforts to shape a post-war framework move forward, Pakistan’s final decision on joining the International Stabilisation Force is yet to be made.