DND Report
There are reports that Indonesia, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan may participate in the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, as part of the “Gaza Peace Plan.”
If confirmed, it would be another privilege for Pakistan to play a pivotal role in promoting peace in the Middle East. However, negative elements such as PTI and other anti-state groups have launched a propaganda campaign, claiming that this force will subjugate the people of Gaza, be used against Hamas, and aim to suppress the freedom struggle of Palestinians.
According to available information, the terms of reference of the ISF are to protect the people of Gaza. The force is being deployed at the request of Muslim countries to ensure that Israeli forces cannot kill unarmed Palestinians — serving as a deterrent against Israeli brutalities.
After being officially recognized as the defender of the two Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madinah, Pakistan is now blessed to be among the defenders of Qibla-e-Awal, the Holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa.
Reports suggest that Israel would not accept such an arrangement if Pakistani forces were deployed in Gaza, as Israel knows well the deep affection of the Pakistani people for Palestine and their profound respect for Qibla-e-Awal. Every soldier of the Pakistan Army is ready to sacrifice his life to protect the honour and sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
If one were to put themselves in the shoes of the people of Gaza, they would likely pray in Al-Aqsa Mosque for the deployment of an international peacekeeping force led by Muslim troops — a force that would ensure the implementation of the Gaza Peace Deal and bring a permanent end to their suffering.
The Pakistan Army has a long history of peacekeeping and disaster relief operations and has always stood firm where others have stepped back. Therefore, Palestinians would genuinely welcome Pakistan’s participation in this force, whose officers and men have both the compassion and competence to fulfill their mission. They are the only army willing to make any sacrifice to protect the residents of Gaza. However, the deployment of the Pakistan Army would not be favourable to Israel and would likely be rejected by it.
When asked to comment, a retired Brigadier of the Pakistan Army told DND News Agency that leading such a mission would be a dream for every Pakistani soldier, who would feel proud to be part of a force defending the oppressed and aiding the innocent people of Gaza. He added that if the unexpected were to happen — that is, if Israel were to accept it — this could, in the long run, pave the way for Palestinian statehood and dispel doubts about a permanent Israeli occupation of Gaza.
Following points may be considered to understand the dynamics of the issue
- Pakistan has always been in forefront of all international efforts aimed at ending Israel’s ongoing crimes against the Palestinians and to bring lasting peace to the region; be it at UN, OIC, other diplomatic and political forums, bilateral engagements, International Court of Justice or talks for the Gaza peace plan.
- Pakistan was part of the eight key Muslim countries which supported the ongoing initiative under the Gaza Peace Plan, so as to end the genocide and find a pragmatic way forward to two state solution as per pre-1967 borders so as to bring durable peace in Palestine and stability and prosperity to the region.
- A very crucial part of the initiative is to immediately help establish peace and security in Gaza by forces other than the present occupying Israeli forces.
- Over the last seven decades, Pakistan has made important contributions to international peace and security, including through its role as a leading Troop Contributing Country (TCC) for UN peace operations.
- If Pakistan, as part of an internationally sanctioned force along with other Muslim countries, can send their forces to Gaza to bring peace, address grave humanitarian situation and to support efforts for sustainable rehabilitation and reconstruction, than this would not only be a unique honour but a holy duty which must be obligated with passion and pride.
- While doing this service, Pakistan remains resolutely determined to take all possible steps to help our Palestinian brothers and sisters achieve their inalienable right to self-determination, on which there can be no compromise.
- It is also paramount to note that Pakistan has and will always stand by its principled stance on the indispensability of Two-State Solution, and the need for an independent, sovereign, contiguous, and viable state of Palestine based on pre-1967 War borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
“إذا وقعت الفتن في العرب، بعث الله قوماً من غيرهم، فيلبسون الحديد، يكون قتالهم في سبيل الله، خير العرب، و سلاحهم خير من سلاح العرب، ينصرون الدين و يعيدون الأمن إلى الأرض.”
(الفتن لنعيم بن حماد، رقم الحدیث: 573)
When there will be one after another fitnah among the Arabs, Allah Almighty will create a nation apart from the Arabs who will be adorned with iron clothes (i.e. modern weapons). Their war will be in the way of Allah. Their commanders will be better than the Arabs, their weapons will be better than the Arabs, and they will support the religion and restore peace to the earth.
Ibn Hamad, Hadith Number: 573
