Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, Jan 9: Israel has firmly rejected any role for the Pakistan Army in a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza under US President Donald Trump’s plan, citing serious concerns over alleged links between Hamas and Pakistan-based terror groups.
Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said his country is “not comfortable” with Pakistani military participation in any future Gaza security arrangement and stressed that no political or reconstruction process can move forward without the complete dismantling of Hamas.
“There is an effort right now to try to create a situation in which we can move forward, but for that, Hamas must be dismantled. There is no way around it,” Azar said in an interview.
His remarks come amid reports that the United States has approached several countries, including Pakistan, to contribute troops to a proposed stabilisation and reconstruction force in Gaza. Reacting to these reports, Azar said many nations have already shown reluctance, as they are unwilling to fight Hamas, making the idea of a stabilisation force ineffective under current circumstances.
When asked specifically about Pakistan’s involvement, the Israeli ambassador replied with a clear “No”, adding that countries cooperate only with partners they trust and with whom they maintain proper diplomatic relations. “This is not the situation right now,” he said, underlining Israel’s opposition to Pakistan’s inclusion.
Azar said Israel’s immediate priorities remain the return of all hostages, including the remains of those killed, and the destruction of Hamas’s military and political infrastructure. He accused Hamas and its sympathisers of trying to bypass these core demands and warned that diplomacy cannot proceed unless the group is dismantled.
“Either Hamas dismantles, or it will be impossible to implement the second phase of any plan,” he said, adding that Israel would act unilaterally if international pressure fails to deliver results.
Referring to India’s security concerns linked to Pakistan-based terror groups, Azar said the situation is being closely monitored and expressed confidence in Indian authorities. On whether Hamas should be formally banned by India, he said there is a “clear threat” but emphasised that the decision rests entirely with New Delhi.