Pakistan, Malaysia Pledge Support for Gaza Peacekeeping Mission

Pakistan has reiterated its steadfast support for Palestinian sovereignty while Malaysia has declared its willingness to contribute peacekeeping forces to Gaza during the ongoing implementation of ceasefire agreements. The commitments from two significant Muslim-majority nations underscore the international mobilization supporting Gaza's stabilization following recent diplomatic breakthroughs.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that Palestinian freedom, dignity, and prosperity represent "a primary concern for Pakistan" following his participation in the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit. In a social media statement, Sharif reiterated that establishing "a strong and viable Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital remains the bedrock of Pakistan's Middle East policy." The Pakistani leader acknowledged US President Donald Trump's role in achieving the ceasefire, noting the American leader had delivered on his promise to halt military operations.

Separately, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Kuala Lumpur's readiness to deploy peacekeeping troops to Gaza if formally requested by the United Nations, Arab League, or Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Addressing Malaysia's parliament, Anwar stated that "a peacekeeping mission is among the best guarantees to ensure security in Gaza" and emphasized his country's consistent history of participating in international peacekeeping operations when required. The Malaysian commitment follows Indonesia's earlier pledge to contribute 20,000 troops for Gaza stabilization operations.

The peacekeeping discussions occur within the framework of the second phase of the US-brokered agreement, which calls for establishing new governance mechanisms in Gaza, forming a multinational security force, and disarming Hamas. These developments follow Monday's prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The international engagement aims to address the extensive humanitarian crisis resulting from military operations that caused substantial destruction and casualties in the Palestinian territory since October 2023.