Web desk: The United States has acknowledged Pakistan’s willingness to consider participating in a future peace-building or stabilisation force in Gaza, while confirming that no formal commitment has yet been sought.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the remarks when asked whether Washington had received Pakistan’s consent to deploy troops to Gaza.
He said the United States was appreciative of Pakistan’s stance but noted that several issues still needed to be clarified before any country could be asked to make a firm commitment.
“We’re very grateful to Pakistan for their offer to be a part of it, or at least their offer to consider being a part of it,” Rubio said.
“I think we owe them a few more answers before we can ask anybody to firmly commit,” he further added.
Rubio added that the US was confident that a number of countries acceptable to all parties involved in the conflict were willing to step forward as part of a potential stabilisation force.
The statement aligns with Pakistan’s long-standing position on the matter.
Pakistan has repeatedly emphasised that its involvement in any international peace effort must prioritise the safety, rights, and humanitarian needs of Palestinian civilians, while operating under a clear international mandate.
Pakistan’s stance on Gaza
Rubio confirms Pakistan will consider joining the Gaza mission only if protections for Gazans and the terms of engagement are clear.
Israel carries out air strikes, shelling across Gaza
The Israeli military carried out airstrikes and artillery shelling in northern and southern Gaza, witnesses told Anadolu, reports TRT World.
In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Israeli warplanes struck several sites, while artillery shells hit nearby areas.
Military vehicles also fired intermittently, and Israeli gunboats opened fire with machine guns on fishing boats off the coast.
In Shujaiya, a neighbourhood in Gaza City in the north, an airstrike caused plumes of smoke to rise from the targeted area.
No details on casualties have been reported yet, as per news sources.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli ceasefire violations have killed 395 Palestinians and wounded 1,088 others.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed over 70,600 people, mostly women and children, and injured more than 171,100, despite the ongoing truce.
