Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israeli soil, a prolonged conflict ensued, resulting in a massive military response from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 78,000 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed, with 170,000 more injured. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported 1,983 Israeli deaths and 217 injuries. The conflict ceased after the fragile Gaza peace agreement was signed on October 13, 2025, with efforts from global leaders, spearheaded by the U.S. president. This peace deal has brought temporary relief to Palestinians, who have been suffering from one of the worst humanitarian crises since World War II. Key contributors to the Gaza Peace Plan include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, and the UAE.
The Gaza Peace Plan comprises two phases. The first phase focuses on a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The second phase aims to maintain peace and rebuild Gaza. Key components of the plan include an immediate ceasefire, the return of Israeli forces to agreed-upon lines, the release of 2,000 prisoners by Israel within 72 hours of signing, and the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Additionally, Gaza will be governed by a transitional Palestinian committee, and Hamas will disarm. An International Stabilizing Force (ISF), supported by the U.S. and international partners, will train and support the Palestinian police force, and secure Gaza’s borders.
Although phase one has seen a cessation of major fighting, two ceasefire violations occurred on October 19 and 28, resulting in the deaths of 236 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers. However, hostages have been returned, prisoners released, and Israeli forces withdrawn to the yellow line. The success of phase two now depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders to uphold the peace terms and move forward with reconstruction and stability.
The U.S. has drafted a resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to deploy an international stabilization force in Gaza for two years. This would legitimize the ISF’s role under UN mandate. The ISF will collaborate with Egypt to demilitarize Gaza, train Palestinian police, and secure humanitarian corridors. Malaysia and Turkey have expressed their willingness to participate in the ISF.
Pakistan, which was part of the original eight-nation peace initiative, has not yet decided whether to contribute troops to the ISF. However, Pakistan’s history of peacekeeping, particularly in Bosnia, suggests its forces could play a crucial role. The involvement of Pakistani troops in Gaza would be a humanitarian gesture, contributing to both the Palestinian cause and regional stability. Despite its long-standing neutrality in Middle Eastern geopolitics, Pakistan’s participation would demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians and further its commitment to peacekeeping.
If Pakistani troops are deployed to Gaza, they would help maintain peace and security, ensuring safe operations for humanitarian aid. Pakistan’s expertise in counterterrorism and internal security operations would be vital in managing the volatile environment in Gaza. This act of solidarity would strengthen Pakistan’s position as a leader within the Muslim world, advancing regional stability and justice.
Remaining silent at this critical moment would raise ethical questions, not only for Pakistan but for the entire Muslim world. In this time of crisis, standing with Gaza is not just a moral duty but a call for justice and solidarity.
