US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said Washington appreciates Pakistan’s offer to consider participation in an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza, as diplomatic efforts continue to advance the next phase of the ceasefire.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Rubio stressed that lasting peace in Gaza depends on the disarmament of Hamas, while expressing cautious optimism that talks could move forward despite ongoing challenges.
Senior officials from Qatar and Egypt, the key mediators in the ceasefire, travelled to Miami on Friday to meet US envoys. Regional power Turkey also joined the discussions alongside American officials, including Steve Witkoff, a close associate of President Donald Trump.
Rubio described the ceasefire that took effect in October, which was accompanied by hostage releases, as a “miracle,” acknowledging that sustaining it would remain difficult. He said progress would require cooperation from all sides.
Under the proposed second phase, Gaza would see Israeli forces withdraw, an interim authority replace Hamas, and an international stabilisation force deploy to maintain security. Rubio warned that the process would collapse without Hamas being disarmed.
🇵🇰🇺🇸 U.S. Secretary of State Rubio says Washington is not yet asking Pakistan or other countries to formally commit troops to a proposed Gaza stabilization force, admitting the U.S. “owes them a few more answers” first. He said the administration feels “very confident” it has… pic.twitter.com/8v4tXywDEX
— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) December 19, 2025“If Hamas retains the ability to threaten Israel in the future, peace will not hold,” he said, calling disarmament essential to the plan’s success.
Hamas leaders have rejected such demands. Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said the group has what he called a “legitimate right” to bear arms. In contrast, political bureau member Bassem Naim said talks must focus on ending alleged Israeli violations of the truce.
Pakistan and troop contributions
Rubio said he was confident that several countries acceptable to all parties were willing to contribute troops to the stabilisation force. In response to a question, he highlighted Pakistan, which does not recognise Israel but has indicated it is considering participation.
“We’re very grateful to Pakistan for their offer to consider being part of it,” Rubio said, adding that further clarity was needed before formal commitments could be sought.
Read: Pakistan Army Chief Faces Diplomatic Dilemma Over Proposed Gaza Force: Reuters & DropSite
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto previously offered to deploy 20,000 peacekeepers, though Israel has opposed involvement by Turkey due to Ankara’s strong criticism of Israeli actions.
Ongoing tensions on the ground
Gaza’s civil defence authorities reported five deaths in Israeli shelling of a shelter, bringing the number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire began to about 400. Israel’s military has confirmed three soldier deaths in the same period.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called on the international community to apply “real and effective pressure” to halt ceasefire violations. Hamas officials also urged expanded humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza.
Under the first phase of the deal, Palestinian groups committed to releasing 48 remaining captives, living and deceased, with all but one body now returned. A third phase envisions large-scale reconstruction of Gaza following the destruction caused by Israel’s military campaign after Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
