Dar signals Pakistan may join Gaza peacekeeping force, refuses to play role in disarming Hamas

DPM says Pakistan will not support any move that takes sides or undermines Palestinian leaders

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has signalled that Pakistan is ready to contribute troops to a Gaza peacekeeping force if required, but categorically rejected rumours that its forces would play any role in disarming Hamas.

“A new claim is being floated that this stabilisation force will disarm Hamas. We will provide our force if required, but there will be further consultations, and our force will in no case be used to disarm Hamas,” said Dar during a news briefing in Islamabad on Saturday.

Dar said that discussions on a proposed international stabilisation force for Gaza began in the United States, and Islamabad had earlier indicated it was open to examining the idea.

He said Pakistan later suggested that any such force should be created under an international body, adding that Islamabad has already formed a separate eight‑nation group dedicated to Gaza. 

"Pakistan supported steps aimed at improving security and humanitarian conditions in the enclave but stressed that the mandate of any mission must be clear and internationally agreed, he added.

Dar stated that Pakistan would not back any arrangement that could be seen as taking sides in the conflict or undermining Palestinian political actors.